‘Unworkable’: Premier slaps down CCC union push

The Premier has slapped down the Crime and Corruption Commission’s push to class unions and interest groups as lobbyists.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has slapped down the Crime and Corruption Commission’s push to class unions and interest groups as lobbyists – declaring their proposal as “unworkable”.

Ms Palaszczuk’s comments are the strongest indication yet the government will not pursue the CCC’s sweeping recommendation to significantly widen the definition of lobbyists in the state.

The watchdog released a report last month where it warned of gaps in Queensland’s lobbying laws that could lead to corruption risks.

Among its proposed reforms was for the government to remove lobbying law exemptions that apply to unions, interest groups, and in-house lobbyists.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

On Thursday, Ms Palaszczuk suggested the report would first be considered by a parliamentary committee before the government decides what to – but she also took a swipe at the proposals.

“I look forward to seeing what the committee has to say,” the Premier said.

“But some of what the CCC is saying is unworkable, because you will not even be able to do your job.”

The Queensland Council of Unions and the Local Government Association of Queensland have both already condemned the CCC’s recommendations.

Under the CCC’s proposal, Queensland’s lobbying laws would go beyond hired third-party registered lobbyists to include essentially anyone involved in influencing government decisions.

CCC chairman Bruce Barbour. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

CCC Chairman Bruce Barbour was grilled about the report before the Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee last week, where he defended the proposal.

It came amid concerns raised by a Labor MP on the committee that the recommendation could even extend to sporting clubs asking for grants.

“We’re not saying that it’s inappropriate to advocate,” Mr Barbour said at the time.

“We’re not saying that it’s inappropriate to lobby.

“We’re just saying that some people have rules that apply to them and others don’t.”

The CCC’s report also included a push for former senior government and opposition representatives to register as lobbyists “for a specified period after leaving office”.

The watchdog has also called for requirements to be introduced for all Members of Parliament and local councillors to publicly disclose details about their meetings with private sector representatives.