Why has the Government established a Register of Lobbyists?
Respect for the institutions of Government depends to a large extent on public confidence in the integrity of Ministers, their staff and senior Government officials. Lobbying is a legitimate activity and an important part of the democratic process. Lobbyists can help individuals and organisations communicate their views on matters of public interest to the Government and, in doing so, improve outcomes for the individual and the community as a whole. In performing this role, there is a public expectation that lobbying activities will be carried out ethically and transparently, and that Government representatives who are approached by lobbyists can establish whose interests they represent so that informed judgments can be made about the outcome they are seeking to achieve. While some lobbyists work directly for a single client to advance the interests of that client, others lobby on behalf of a number of different clients. The Government believes it is important for Government representa
