Lobbying is a massive industry in Australia – but what it is?
The Australian Government’s Attorney-General defines it as:
… communications with Australian Government representatives in an effort to influence federal government decision-making.
This includes:
- making or amendment of legislation
- development or amendment of a government policy or program
- awarding of a government contract or grant
The Attorney-General’s Department
- allocation of funding.
In other words, paid influence! And currently, not only is it completely legal, it is rife! There are over 460 lobbyist firms, each representing on average about 10 organisations. All of this is specifically designed to change government policy.
Solution:
Ban Lobbying!
There should be absolutely no need for lobbyists. Their function should be completed obsolete by proper governance. Think about it – the entire premise of a lobbyists shows that they do not have the confidence that a government making good decisions in the interest of Australians, would make policy decisions that they are in favour of. Lobbyists know therefore that their preferred outcomes are NOT in the interests of Australia – otherwise they would be happy to just let the facts speak for themselves and the decisions would go in their favour. This line of work has no onus to the public and are not unbiased. Their onus is purely to the paid industries they serve.
Without influence from corporations, governments would be able to seek expert advice that is independent of corporate influence. Facts can be gathered and decisions made in the interests of the Australian public, for the long-term. If companies do not like this, then maybe they could ensure that they are in Australia’s long-term interests. If they do this, they would have nothing to be concerned about.