Page 332 - Week 01 - Thursday, 27 February 2014
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some of the recent changes that we have seen in this place with the implementation of the code of conduct for members of the Legislative Assembly, which sets out the standards expected of elected members. It is a statement of general ethical principles rather than a prescriptive set of rules and is designed to be sufficiently flexible to provide guidance on a range of circumstances.
Importantly, the code not only outlines how we should conduct ourselves as MLAs but also sets out the standards against which our behaviour can be measured. It provides a statement of values to guide behaviour and reminds us of our obligations as MLAs. The code of conduct for members complements the ministerial code of conduct, which has also been revised in recent years. Just recently, Madam Speaker has appointed the first Commissioner for Standards, which has come from a resolution of this Assembly in terms of ensuring independence in the investigation of any complaints that are made against MLAs by members of the public, members of the ACT public service or MLAs. It is an important step in the right direction. However, I think that a lobbyist register would be a positive enhancement to the systems and processes that are already in place.
A key part of the role of any MLA is to listen to and understand the needs of different constituents and interest groups, and these groups can be represented by lobbyists. Lobbyists play an important advocacy role on behalf of their own clients. They have become an intrinsic part of the work of government over recent years, making sure MLAs are aware of a range of stakeholder views and perspectives. This has been controversial at times in recent years as attention has been drawn to the role of professional lobbyists and whether they have undue and undeclared influence on decision-making. Therefore, as with other aspects of decision-making, it is important that there be transparency around such interactions.
Here in the ACT we do not have a public register of lobbyists. I believe it is critical to the integrity of our system of representative government that the factors which contribute to policy setting are transparent and open for scrutiny. We should not leave any room for improper influence or lack of transparency in this space and we need to ensure the transparency of lobbying activities and interactions with ministers and, I believe, MLAs.
With this principle in mind, we are keen to progress work towards establishing a lobbyist register. As the motion states, we would see the admin and procedure committee as the appropriate forum to progress this further, and we hope to receive support to do so. I believe Mr Rattenbury will have an amendment to move to this motion to allow admin and procedure to provide advice to the Assembly rather than immediately implement or design a lobbyist register. The government will support that amendment, acknowledging that there are mixed views and a difference of opinion between, in particular, Madam Speaker and me about whether the lobbyist register should cover all members or just the executive.
In a parliament of our size, where all members are able to pass legislation and have been influenced by lobbyists, I cannot actually see a problem with everybody being covered by it. In fact, I think it would offer some protection to non-executive members to be covered by a system which seeks to enhance transparency around lobbyists, their work, and the issues that they are lobbying on.
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