Government lobbyists in Western Australia have moved this week to establish their own professional association, coinciding with the state government’s establishment of a register of lobbyists.
Government lobbyists in Western Australia have moved this week to establish their own professional association, coinciding with the state government’s establishment of a register of lobbyists.
Premier Alan Carpenter announced the government had opted for a minimalist approach to the register, which will only apply to lobbyists working for third parties.
The government has decided that ministers, ministerial staff and government employees will only be able to deal with lobbyists who are on the register.
It has also prepared a code that defines standards of conduct for lobbyists who wish to be included on the register.
Former Labor premier Brian Burke, former Labor minister Julian Grill and former Liberal senator Noel Crichton-Browne, all of whom featured in the recent Crime and Corruption Commission inquiry, will be disqualified.
“My government recognises that lobbying is a legitimate part of the democratic process and in Western Australia, the overwhelming majority of lobbyists are honest, decent individuals who operate according to ethical business practices,” Mr Carpenter said.
“Unfortunately, the reputation of lobbying and lobbyists has been sullied through the actions of Burke, Grill and Crichton-Browne.”
Liberal leader Paul Omodei said the register would not stop ministers acting corruptly.
“The main issue facing the premier today is the honesty and integrity of his ministers, not the activities of political lobbyists,” Mr Omodei said.
Hawker Britton director and former Labor MP Megan Anwyl said government affairs practitioners would hold their first formal meeting this week to establish a professional association.
She said the association would represent the industry and seek to educate the public about the legitimate role of lobbyists.
The association also plans to develop a code of conduct governing the behaviour of its members, so the industry could be self regulating.
Ms Anwyl said she supported the creation of the register but questioned the narrow definition of lobbyists.
“My prime disappointment is that a number of businesses that hire political consultants appear to be excluded from the register,” she said.
The register will not apply to business lobby groups, trade unions, religious or charitable bodies or recognised professional and technical occupations.
The register will capture firms like Hawker Britton, Halden Burns, headed by former MP John Halden, Enhance Group, headed by former ministerial staffer Peter Clough, and CPR, headed by former staffer Peter Cook.
Former Liberal Party state director Paul Everingham and former opposition leaders Bill Hassell and Barry Mackinnon are also likely to be included.
The WA register adopts a minimalist approach to the information needed on the register.
It will contain a lobbyist’s business registration details, details of employees engaged in lobbying, and names of clients that are currently being represented by the lobbyists.
It will have to be updated every three months.