Review Follows Longstanding Calls for Transparency
CANBERRA — The Australian Prime Minister has initiated a review of lobbying activities within Parliament House, as confirmed in a letter to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House. This announcement comes in response to calls from Dr Monique Ryan, Independent Member for Kooyong, and other crossbench members, who have long advocated for stricter lobbying regulations and increased transparency regarding ministerial interactions.
Dr Ryan, who has been a vocal proponent of lobbying reform, introduced the Lobbying (Improving Government Honesty and Trust) Bill in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, most recently in October 2025. The bill seeks to establish a stronger lobbying code of conduct and a more comprehensive lobbying register.
Background on Lobbying Concerns
In 2024, a Senate Committee Inquiry received 346 public submissions, with a significant majority supporting enhanced regulation of lobbying practices. Despite this, the government has yet to respond to the inquiry and has instead launched a new review that will primarily consult Parliament House insiders. Dr Ryan has expressed concern over the limited scope of the review, emphasizing the need for public involvement and urging the government to act on existing recommendations.
“Parliament House is the most visited building in the country. It is the People’s House. The people must have a say in what goes on inside its walls,” Dr Ryan stated, highlighting the importance of transparency in lobbying activities.
The review will focus on assessing the current state of lobbying regulations, identifying areas where the existing framework may fall short, and proposing amendments to ensure it aligns with international best practices. Experts in governance and transparency have welcomed the review, noting that Australia’s lobbying regulations have lagged behind those of other democracies. They argue that implementing a robust framework could enhance public trust and ensure that governmental decisions are made in the public interest.
The Prime Minister has assured the public that the review will be comprehensive, with findings expected by mid-next year. As discussions unfold, stakeholders from various sectors, including legal experts, lobbyists, and advocacy groups, are expected to contribute their perspectives on how best to reform the current system.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
