Regulation Of Lobbying Act 2015 – Does It Affect You?

The Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 came into effect on 1 September 2015.  The Act introduces new registration and disclosure requirements for those carrying out lobbying activities.

What is lobbying?

Lobbying is defined as the making of a "relevant communication", which means any communication, written or oral, directly or indirectly made to a designated public official ("DPO") in relation to a "relevant matter".

The Standards in Public Office Commission ("SIPO") has indicated that communications with public officials or representatives regarding zoning or development of land, which fall outside the formal zoning and planning processes, may be lobbying.  SIPO has issued guidelines to help individuals, organisations and groups determine whether they are engaged in lobbying in relation to development and zoning of land.