Lobbying (Improving Government Honesty and Trust) 2023

# Lobbying (Improving Government Honesty and Trust) Bill 2023 **What it does** This bill creates a national register where lobbyists have to sign up and declare who they're working for and what they're lobbying the government about. Unregistered people won't be allowed to do lobbying work. It also stops recently-retired politicians and senior government staff from immediately jumping into lobbying roles, and requires ministers to publish their diaries so you can see who's meeting with them. **Why it matters** Right now, there's no clear public record of who's trying to influence government decisions behind closed doors. This bill shines a light on that process, making it harder for wealthy interests to quietly shape policy without anyone knowing about it. It's basically about making sure politicians' decision-making isn't hidden from the public. **Key details** - Lobbyists have to register with details about their clients and what they're lobbying for, with quarterly updates - Former government representatives are banned from lobbying activities for a set period (the bill doesn't specify exactly how long in this excerpt, but it's a key restriction) - Ministers must publish their diaries publicly so Australians can see who's meeting with them - The Commissioner can investigate breaches and refer cases for enforcement