6 June 2011
A Dominion Post article on “The rise and rise of lobbyists” has stimulate debate over the last few days on several blog sites. Most contributors, from both sides of the political divide, seem to be of the view that it unnecessary to impose controls on lobbying. Except for the ardency of one advocate who quoted in full the provisions in each of the Australian states, there was little consideration of measures in economies whose achievements New Zealand seeks to emulate. For example there was no consideration of the EU or OECD guidance. Yet these organisations have developed guidance recently to restrict decision makers’ relationships with lobbyists because of number of illustrations where power has been abused. The objective of course is to counter the declining trust in government to which these actions contribute.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5099703/The-rise-and-rise-of-lobbyists http://www.oecd.org/document/48/0,3343,en_2649_34135_44644592_1_1_1_37447,00.html
Integrity Talking Points 