Northern Territory Chief Minister, Lia Finocchiaro, says the Government has delivered on an election commitment with the creation of the NT’s first Lobbyist Register.
The Chief Minister (pictured) said the new register will coincide with the start of the 2025 Parliamentary year.
“Since being elected we have already stood up legislative scrutiny committees, doubled the debate time for petitions and installed an Independent Speaker,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.
The register will:
- Ensure all third-party lobbyists are registered;
- Lobbyists on the Register need to make that clear to Ministers at the time of seeking meetings and when engaging with Ministers;
- Lobbyists on the Register need to be clear who their client is they are lobbying on behalf of.
“Under the new lobbyist rules, former Ministers and their senior staff are prohibited from joining in lobbying activities relating to any matter that was within their portfolio responsibilities for six months,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.
There will also be a new ‘Lobbyists Watch List’ that “names and shames” those who have breached the register, the Chief Minister confirmed.
“Ministers will not be able to engage with lobbyists who aren’t on the register, or who are on the Watch List.”
“Representatives from industry bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce, Master Builders and Minerals Council will not be required to register as it is clear who they are advocating for. The same applies to unions and large corporate firms.
“My government will continue to be transparent and accountable as we deliver our 2025 year of action, certainty and security,” she said.
