2015-05-26 Planning & Organisation Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA     26 MAY 2015
                                                    ATTACHMENT 1




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ATTACHMENT 1

  MENeye.                                                                                     y
                ,                                                         Council Polic
  mm         Keener                            CONTACT WITH LOBBYISTS

 Corporate Pian Reference:                | Good Governance
 Endorsed by Council:                     | {to be inserted]
 Policy Author:                           | Governance Advisor                                   |

POLICY BACKGROUND
This policy is intended to provide guidance for Councillors and Council Officers when dealing with
lobbyists.
Free and open access to Councillors, and Council itself, is vital to efficient and effective local
government. It is accepted that Councillors and Council officers, may be approached or lobbied by
members of the community on a broad range of issues. However, there is a difference between the
type of lobbying carried out by members of the community representing their own interests and
professional lobbyists engaged by a third party client or fee or reward to influence local
government decision making.
Regulation of the activities of professional lobbyists is via the Integrity Act 2009 which defines
lobbying and related concepts, places limitations on lobbying activities and also requires the
registration of professional lobbyists with the Integrity Commissioner.
To ensure that there is no confusion as to who is classified as a lobbyist and what are considered
lobbying activities, it is important to have a clear understanding of the definition of “lobbyist” and
“lobbying activity” as set out in the Integrity Act 2009.
It is always the aim of Council to ensure that all decisions are legal, ethical and impartial. Such
principles are reflected in s4 the Local Government Act 2009 (i.e. the “local government
principles”) and s12 of that Act (the responsibilities of Councillors). Providing a policy as to how
Councillors and Council Officers should deal with lobbyists will assist in better decision-making for
Councillors and Council Officers relating to lobbyists dealings with Noosa Council and can also be
used to confirm Council's approach with potential lobbyists.

POLICY STATEMENT
This policy confirms Council's commitment to:
«   Compliance with relevant Codes of Conduct, the Local Government Act 2009 and the Integrity
    Act 2009 which regulates contact between lobbyists and local government representatives;
e   Acconsistent and transparent approach with regard to Councillors and Council Officers contact
    with lobbyists to ensure that the public's expectations of transparency and integrity are upheld;
    and
e«  Ensuring that careful consideration is given to any recommendations or directions provided by
    the Integrity Commissioner in relation to lobbying.

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