Who Needs to Register?

For the purposes of the Register of Lobbyists, a lobbyist is any person, company or organisation who conducts lobbying activities on behalf of a third-party client or whose employees conduct lobbying activities on behalf of a third-party client.

However, individuals, companies or organisations falling into one of the following categories would not be considered a lobbyist under the Lobbying Code and are not required to register:

• Charities and religious organisations;
• Non-profit organisations and associations;
• Individuals making representations on behalf of relatives or friends;
• Members of foreign trade delegations;
• Persons who are already registered under a Commonwealth scheme regulating certain professions (such as tax agents and customs brokers) who make representations to the Government on behalf of clients; and
• Service providers (such as lawyers, doctors, accountants and other service providers) who make occasional representations to the Government on behalf of clients in a way that is incidental to the provision of their professional services.

Lobbying activities means communications in an effort to influence Government decision-making.

Detailed definitions of lobbying activities, lobbyist, client and Government representative are contained in clause 3 of the Lobbying Code of Conduct.

See also:

• Who is on the Register
• How to Register
• FAQ