Lobbyist power under the scope in review of the functions of the Integrity Commissioner

A review of the functions of the office of the Integrity Commissioner will examine whether undue influence is being wielded over government decisions.

Lobbyists and politicians might be investigated over whether undue influence is being wielded over government decisions under new powers being considered for Queensland‘s Integrity Commissioner.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has confirmed a six-month-long review of the functions of the office will be handled by eminent, former public servant Kevin Yearbury as corruption busters from across Australia meet in Brisbane on Thursday to discuss the influence of lobbyists on the public sector.

A six-month-long review of the functions of the office of Queensland‘s Integrity Commissioner will be handled by Kevin Yearbury.

The Terms of Reference reveal he will consider whether existing provisions are appropriate or effective in regulating contact between lobbyists and past and current government and opposition representatives “having regard to public expectations of transparency and integrity”.

Mr Yearbury has also been asked to consider “whether specific investigative powers are required to effectively regulate lobbying activities”, as foreshadowed by The Courier-Mail.

He will examine powers and responsibilities in similar offices across Australia in his review, and will be able to interview witnesses, including politicians, lobbyists and Integrity Commission staff in his work.

He may also consult with the Crime and Corruption Commission, Queensland Ombudsman, Independent Assessor, Electoral Commissioner, and Queensland Audit Office.

Dr Nikola Stepanov. AAP Image/Attila Csaszar

The Terms of Reference were drafted after Integrity Commissioner Nikola Stepanov – who oversees the state’s Integrity Act but has no investigative powers to probe unethical behaviour – asked for a wholesale review of lobbyists’ provisions amid an “extraordinary and sustained” demand for her counsel.

It comes amid questions over Labor’s use of private sector lobbyists, many of whom used to work for Labor and whose companies lobby the government on behalf of clients – a practice that has been defended by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

They include former ALP state secretary and director of lobbyist firm Next Level Strategic Services Cameron Milner and former ALP state secretary and director of lobbying firm Anacta Strategies Evan Moorhead who both assisted Labor in its October re-election.

CCC chairman Alan MacSporran - Photo DOMANII CAMERON

CCC boss Alan MacSporran made an extraordinary foray into that campaign, warning MPs and candidates he was watching them.

“The CCC’s own intelligence assessment indicates that the lines between government and the private sector are blurring, with overlapping networks of association involving consultants, influencers, lobbyists and executives,” he wrote in an open letter then.

Meanwhile, Mr MacSporran and Ms Stepanov are expected to address the media on Thursday following a meeting in Brisbane of the nation’s integrity and anti-corruption bodies to discuss lobbyists and public concern over their growing influence.

They will discuss a possible best-practice standard to register and regulate lobbyists and whether current oversight regimes are adequate.