CASTLEY SECURES LOBBYING INQUIRY

Leanne Castley MLA

Leader of the ACT Liberals

Media Release

4 February 2025

The Legislative Assembly has today backed Canberra Liberals leader Leanne Castley in her push for an inquiry into lobbying by the ACT Integrity Commission.

“This inquiry is a big step forward for integrity and accountability in the ACT,” said Ms Castley. “It puts the Government and lobbyists on notice that their activities will finally be independently scrutinised.”

The Integrity Commissioner first noted his desire to hold an inquiry into lobbying in Estimates hearings in July 2024, where he said:

“The question with the CFMEU raised the whole question of lobbying by organisations, both of the departments of particular public servants and of politicians. It is a problem in every jurisdiction in Australia.

If I had the resources, I would have an inquiry about lobbying in the ACT. I don't have the resources at present. It’s on my wish list to undertake.”

The Canberra Liberals have been working to secure this resourcing for the Commissioner to undertake the inquiry for the last eight months, and took a commitment to the 2024 ACT election.

“For eight months, the Canberra Liberals have been fighting to make this happen,” Ms Castley said. “I am thrilled that our advocacy has paid off. This will help to build a better Canberra.”

When asked about the proposal in July 2024, the Chief Minister said ‘I think there is a pathway forward on that’ and that he would give ‘serious consideration’ to a funding request, but Labor did not commit any funding for the inquiry since the comments were made.

“I’m not suggesting there is anything wrong with how lobbying works in the ACT, but there could be. We simply don’t know. That is why an inquiry is such a good idea,” said Ms Castley. “The Integrity Commissioner has the independence, the autonomy and the expertise to do the job and to do it well.”

Under the Integrity Commission Act, an inquiry can act as a first step in establishing a reasonable belief that corrupt conduct has occurred, enabling the Commissioner to used his full suite of investigatory powers, including the use of investigators, search warrants, summonses for witnesses, and public hearings.

It is expected that the Government will provide funding as part of this year’s Budget, and the motion specified that the additional resourcing would enable the inquiry to proceed without impacting the Commission’s other investigations.