Print this pagePrinciples of Engagement with Government Representatives
The Lobbying Code of Conduct requires that lobbyists observe the following principles when engaging with Government representatives:
- lobbyists shall not engage in any conduct that is corrupt, dishonest or illegal, or unlawfully cause or threaten any detriment
- lobbyists shall use all reasonable endeavours to satisfy themselves of the truth and accuracy of all statements and information provided by them to clients whom they represent, the wider public and Government representatives
- lobbyists shall not make misleading, exaggerated or extravagant claims about, or otherwise misrepresent, the nature or extent of their access to Government representatives, members of political parties or to any other person
- lobbyists shall keep strictly separate from their duties and activities as lobbyists any personal activity or involvement on behalf of a political party
Initial Contact with Government Representatives
When making initial contact with a Government representative with the intention of conducting lobbying activities on behalf of clients, lobbyists must inform the Government representative:
- that they are lobbyists or employees of, or contractors or persons engaged by, lobbyists
- whether they are currently listed on the Register of Lobbyists
- the name of their relevant client or clients, including a client whose identity is not required to be made public under clause 5.2 of the Code, and
- the nature of the matters that their clients wish them to raise with Government representative.
A checklist is available to help Government representatives ensure that these requirements are met.