The purpose of the Integrity Act 2009 (Qld) is to encourage confidence in public institutions by regulating contact between lobbyists and State or local government representatives, so that lobbying is conducted in accordance with public expectations of transparency and integrity.

However, confusion abounds as to whether professional consultants such as town planners, who regularly deal with State and local governments in the course of their work, may be regarded as lobbyists.

In this paper, partner David Nicholls examines the legal and policy issues arising out of legal definitions related to lobbying. He argues that the position taken by some local governments regarding registration of consultants involves a mis-construction of the Act, and that to resolve the issue, the Act should be amended.

Please click on the PDF link to download a full copy of this paper.