Tighter laws to curb SA lobbies
The South Australian Government has tightened the rules for MP’s, lobbies and political donations.
The state has moved on the advices of its Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC), after he raised concerns about lobbyists working for inducements rather than a simple fee in advance.
Commissioner Bruce Lander's first annual report also said there was room to fix a practice where MP’s and staff use fake emails and pseudonyms to further their goals online.
There were suggestions that ICAC secrecy provisions should be amended too, in order to clarify the offence of publishing information or evidence.
Premier Jay Weatherill told State Parliament this week that Attorney-General John Rau would be meeting with ICAC to talk about some issues in detail, but many recommendations from the anti-corruption commissioner's report would be taken on.
“The Attorney-General will introduce legislation to regulate the conduct of lobbyists,” Mr Weatherill said.
“Whilst some details will require further consideration and discussion with the commissioner, I can confirm to the House that the Government has already taken an in-principle decision that success fees will be banned.”