Lobbyist Code of Conduct and Register

About the Lobbyist Code of Conduct

The South Australian Government Lobbyist Code of Conduct has been in force since 1 December 2009. Under the code lobbyists must be registered on a public lobbyist register before they can lobby government representatives. The Code is intended to ensure that those representing others in seeking to influence government adhere to high standards of probity and transparency.

The Premier and Cabinet Circular 32 - Lobbyist Code of Conduct (PDF - 118KB) is binding on Ministerial staff members and on employees of public sector agencies.

Image - Bullet Point South Australian Government Lobbyist Code of Conduct (PDF - 45KB)

Definitions

For the purposes of the Code, the term 'lobbyist' means a person (or company or organisation or their employees) who conducts lobbying activities on behalf of third party clients.

'Lobbying activities' means communications with a government representative in an effort to influence government decision-making. However there are certain exclusions from this definition as outlined in the Lobbyist Code of Conduct.

'Government representatives', includes Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, ministerial staff and persons employed by any public sector agency. These persons are prohibited from knowingly and intentionally being party to a lobbying activity where the lobbyist (including employees etc. of the lobbyist) have not been registered.

Key requirements in the Code

Lobbyists will also need to comply with the other requirements of the Lobbyist Code of Conduct, which specify how they must conduct themselves when engaging with government representatives. In particular:

  • Lobbyists must not engage in conduct that is corrupt, dishonest or illegal or cause or threaten detriment.
  • Lobbyists must use all reasonable endeavours to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of statements they make and the information they provide.
  • Lobbyists must not make misleading, exaggerated or extravagant claims or misrepresent their access to institutions of government or political parties.
  • Lobbyists must keep their activities as a lobbyist separate from personal activities or involvement on behalf of a political party.