Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

I guess this is the right time to point out that lobbying is actually a legitimate activity and an important part of the democratic process. Lobbyists help individuals and organisations communicate their views on matters of public interest to the government—and to the opposition and crossbench senators, for that matter—and, in doing so, improve outcomes for the individual and for the community as a whole.

The Australian government Lobbying Code of Conduct establishes a publicly available register of third party lobbyists and their clients so that government representatives can determine whose interests are being represented. The lobbying code and register are part of a range of measures to ensure our system of government operates with transparency, integrity and honesty.