The Lobbying Act

The Lobbying Act and its related Regulations came into force simultaneously on July 2, 2008.

The Lobbying Act is based on four key principles.

• Free and open access to government is an important matter of public interest.
• Lobbying public office holders is a legitimate activity.
• It is desirable that public office holders and the general public be able to know who is engaged in lobbying activities.
• The system of registration of paid lobbyists should not impede free and open access to government.

The Act applies to individuals who are paid to lobby. People who lobby on a voluntary basis are not required to register.