Push to close lobbyist loophole
A former Defence Minister is not required to register as a lobbyist under a loophole in Australia’s lobbying code despite working for a firm that represents Rheinmetall.
SA News
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A former Defence Minister is not required to register as a lobbyist under a loophole in Australia’s lobbying code despite working for a firm that represents Rheinmetall.
Former South Australian senator Robert Hill, who was Defence Minister in the Howard Government, is employed by Dragoman Global.
The firm is registered as a lobbyist for the prominent defence contractor Rheinmetall, as well as property group Lendlease.
Mr Hill has met with Centre Alliance senator Rex Patrick regarding shipbuilding for Dragoman.
But the company told The Advertiser Mr Hill was not a ‘lobbyist’ as defined by the current code of conduct and did not have to be listed on the official register.
Under the code, individuals or companies may lobby Senators or MPs on behalf of private companies - so long as they don’t lobby ministers.
‘Lobbying activities’ are defined as ‘communications with a Government representative’.
A ‘Government representative’ is defined only as a Minister, a Parliamentary Secretary or staffer for a Minister or a Parliamentary Secretary.
Transparency International Australia chief executive Serena Lillywhite said the register should be “overhauled and expanded” to include a broader definition of ‘lobbyist’.
Other loopholes in the rules allow companies to employ in-house lobbyists who do not need to be listed on the register, despite connections they may have to current and former senior MPs.
BAE Systems employed Chris Keane, a former staffer for ex-SA Premiers John Olsen and Rob Kerin, as ‘head of government relations’ for three years until he moved into a business development role in 2018.
Energy giant Santos also employed Tracey Winters, a former chief of staff for ex-Energy Minister Martin Ferguson, as head of government relations until she moved into a strategic adviser role in May.
Industry bodies such as the Minerals Council of Australia are also not required to register as lobbyists.
Ms Lillywhite said an independent body should enforce compliance of the register’s rules and the level of disclosure.
“Australia is not keeping pace with international best practice,” she said.
Senator Patrick confirmed Mr Hill had met with him regarding naval shipbuilding but said the former senator disclosed who he worked for.
He did not believe there was a need to tighten the lobbyist code to include meeting with senators or MPs.
“Members and Senators, as distinct from ministers, do not make decisions on government contracts and policies - we only make decisions as to law,” the crossbencher said.
The Advertiser approached Dragoman Global for comment from Mr Hill but the former senator was overseas and unable to be reached.
