Outgoing Integrity Commissioner calls for new measures to deal with lobbyists

The outgoing Integrity Commissioner has called for new measures to be introduced to track the activities of lobbyists, as she warns of the “extensive exercise” in keeping track of increasing contacts between powerbrokers and the government.

New measures should be introduced to track the activities of lobbyists as the outgoing Integrity Commissioner warns of the “extensive exercise” in keeping track of increasing contacts between powerbrokers and the government.

Integrity Commissioner Nikola Stepanov, who has been at the centre of questions surrounding integrity within the government, declared public notification when the actions of a lobbyist result in a government policy change would improve transparency.

Dr Stepanov said under existing resources investigating lobbying and linking it to a policy or legislative change would be near impossible.

“Establishing a link would require the collection and collation of a number of publicly available data sources such as diaries and the lobbyists register,” she said. 

“It would be an extensive exercise”.

Dr Stepanov said requiring the government to publicly identify when lobbying activities have resulted in a policy or legislative outcome “would be an important step on enhancing transparency”.

Queensland Integrity Commissioner Dr Nikola Stepanov. Picture: Liam Kidston

“My office has experienced a pronounced rise across all activities relating to the lobbying functions including the administration of the Lobbyists Register in the past two years,” she said.

During the 2020-21 financial year – during which the state election was held – there was about 988 recorded contacts with lobbyists, a significant increase from the average of 239 each year between 2010 and 2019. 

Dr Stepanov said her office received 108 notifications relating to potential breaches of the lobbying provisions of the Act and the Lobbyist Code of Conduct.

“With each state election cycle there is a pronounced rise and this rise then become the normal level of activity,” she said.

“Further, the unique procurement environment created due to the Covid pandemic was, in effect, a once in a lifetime opportunity for new suppliers and manufacturers to contract to government.”

Dr Stepanov said her office dealt with a historic 1545 inquiries and communications regarding the lobbyists register and general lobbying.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk acknowledged the widespread review into the culture and accountability of Queensland’s public service would not consider links between lobbyists and the government, insisting it was a matter for the Crime and Corruption Commission.

“That’s separate … I understand the CCC’s looking at that,” she said.

“My understanding is that there was some, some issues that were being looked at.”

Opposition Integrity spokeswoman Fiona Simpson said there was a “deep influence” of Labor lobbyists over the government.

“The influence of Labor lobbyists in Queensland should be included in a full blown Royal Commission into the integrity crisis running through this state government,” she said.

“Queenslanders have every right to ask who is running the show.”