Qld integrity crisis: Political lobbyists welcome further regulation

A political lobbyist firm headed by two former Labor heavyweights has welcomed the prospect of greater regulation of its activities.

A top lobbying company led by Labor heavyweights Evan Moorhead and David Nelson says it welcomes further regulation of lobbyists in Queensland, including in the role they take in political campaigns.

After a damning assessment of how the practice was generally operating in Professor Peter Coaldrake’s interim report into the culture and accountability of the Queensland Government last week, a spokesman for Anacta said the firm had always advocated for further regulation.

It raised concerns that the “dual roles of some lobbyists” – who act for clients to influence government, then act for political parties to help them win elections – had undermined public confidence.

No findings were made about Anacta specifically.

But despite Mr Moorhead working alongside fellow lobbyist Cameron Milner on Labor’s 2020 campaign, and Mr Nelson working on the Albanese federal campaign, the spokesman said it was hoped regulations could be improved.

“The lobbyists’ code of conduct already regulates the work we perform in campaigns,” he said.

“We hope both the Coaldrake review and the (parliamentary crime and corruption committee’s) response to the Yearbury review can improve those regulations.”

Labor heavyweight turned lobbyist Evan Moorhead

The spokesman said Anacta had long advocated for further regulation of lobbying in Queensland, especially of that which was currently unregulated and undisclosed.

Professor Coaldrake raised concerns there were a host of lobbyists operating outside official regulations because they fell outside the statutory definition.

“What we can therefore be clear about is that the lobbyists register is not doing the job which was intended,” he found.

Hawker Britton also released a statement calling for greater regulation and transparency of all lobbying activity in Queensland.

“The inclusion of in-house and professional services firms within the lobbying regime would be a sensible and measured action to provide public confidence of government decision making,” it said.

The Labor-aligned government relations firm also welcomed comments made by Professor Coaldrake on page 24 of his report, where he notes concerns around lobbyists who work for political parties too.

“In short, we do not believe that firms should be able to lobby to government at the same time they are working for government on the same issues,” its statement said.