2015-03-03 Planning & Organisation Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     3 MARCH 2015




                                                                                Council Policy
                                                                          CONTACT WITH
                                                                             LOBBYISTS


 Corporate Plan Reference:                      Good governance practices

 Endorsed by Council:                           [to be inserted]

 Policy Author:                                 Executive Manager


POLICY BACKGROUND

Free and open access to Councillors, and Council itself, is vital to efficient and effective local
government. However, lobbying can be perceived negatively by the community as giving
special access to decision making if it is not managed in a consistent and transparent way.

It is accepted that Councillors and Council Officers, may be approached and lobbied by
members of the community on a broad range of issues. However, there is a distinct
difference and associated risk to Council’s reputation between the type of lobbying carried
out by ordinary members of the community and that of professional lobbyists engaged by a
third party client for a fee or reward to influence local government decision making. Negative
perceptions of Council’s dealings may arise in instances where lobbying is conducted behind
closed doors and not open to public scrutiny.

The activities of professional lobbyists are regulated by the Integrity Act 2009 (The Act). The
purpose of The Act is to encourage confidence in public institutions such as local
government by regulating contact between lobbyists and local government representatives
to ensure that lobbying is conducted in accordance with public expectations of transparency
and integrity.

The Act defines the meaning of a lobbyist and related concepts, places limitations on
lobbying activities and also requires the registration of professional lobbyists with the
Queensland Integrity Commissioner.

It is always the aim of Council to ensure that all decisions are legal, ethical and impartial.
Such principles are reflected in section 4 the Local Government Act 2009 (i.e. the “local
government principles’’) and section 12 of that Act (the responsibilities of Councillors).

COUNCIL POLICY

This Policy confirms Council’s commitment to:

    A consistent and transparent approach with regard to Councillors and Council Officers
      contact with lobbyists;
    Compliance with The Act; and
    Ensuring careful consideration is given to any recommendations or directions provided
      by the Integrity Commissioner in relation to lobbying.


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