The Lobbyists' Code of Conduct
The Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct sets out standards of behaviour for individuals who must be listed in a registration as required by the Lobbying Act.
The Code is a non-statutory tool that complements the Lobbying Act’s registration requirements and serves to reinforce transparent and ethical lobbying.
The Commissioner of Lobbying has the authority to administer the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct. Breaches of the Code may result in a report to Parliament.
Consultation
When developing or amending the Code, the Commissioner of Lobbying consults with interested stakeholders.
Process, draft changes and comments
During consultations held between 2020 and 2022, stakeholders were invited to share views on improving and clarifying the standards of conduct for lobbyists.
Over ninety (90) stakeholders provided input during the consultation process.
- Revised draft update (May 2022) and comments
- Initial draft update (December 2021) and comments
- Comments on existing 2015 Code
Key events
2021
December 15: Stakeholders are invited to comment on draft changes to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct through a consultation.
2020
November 2: A consultation on future amendments to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct is launched.
2015
December 1: A new version of the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct comes into effect, following extensive stakeholder consultation. It replaced the 1997 version.
2013
September 24: A consultation on whether the Code should be amended is launched.
2008
July 2: The period during which possible violations or breaches under the Lobbying Act and the Lobbyists' Code of Conduct may be investigated and prosecution may be initiated is increased from two to ten years.
1997
March 1: The first Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct comes into force after extensive consultations and a review by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. The Ethics Counsellor was responsible for upholding the Code.
1996
January 31: The development of a code of conduct for lobbyists is mandated with the coming into force of amendments to the Lobbyists Registration Act.
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