The Prime Minister has written to Parliament's Speaker expressing the Government's view that lobbyists should no longer have swipe-card access to the halls of power.
Chris Hipkins is also calling on lobbyists to develop a voluntary code of conduct - with assistance from the Ministry of Justice - to ensure transparency. It could lead to lobbyists having to include the names of clients on their websites.
The Cabinet Manual will also be refreshed to make it clear that ministers should not be influenced "by the prospect or expectation of future employment with a particular organisation or sector".
The measures follow an RNZ investigation last month that put the spotlight on connections between lobbyists and Government ministers.
At the time, Hipkins said he didn't believe "lobbyists necessarily get preferred access" that other members of the public do not. He said Government agencies shouldn't be hiring lobbyists to do usual communications, but in some instances, like in emergencies, they can be useful.
Hipkins said he would talk to ministers to remind their agencies not to be engaging lobbyists for day-to-day business.
Two weeks later, and he's decided to take further action.
"First, I've commissioned a major piece of work that will look at policy options for regulating lobbying activities," he said.
"To do it well, will require considerable work and consultation and I anticipate the advice coming back in 2024.
"This was last looked at in 2012 and ultimately didn't land because it was too broad in scope. I want Parliament to take another look, learning the lessons from that process.
"While this work is underway, there are three measures we can take now and start to get in place straight away."
Those measures are:
- Writing to the Speaker to express the Government's view lobbyists swipe-card access to Parliament is removed
- Calling on third-party lobbyists to develop a voluntary code of conduct with assistance from the Ministry of Justice
- Refreshing the Cabinet Manual to make it clear Ministers' conduct and decisions should not be influenced by the prospect or expectation of future employment with a particular organisation or sector
Hipkins said it is important New Zealand has a "sensible and transparent system". He doesn't want to "give the impression that lobbyists enjoy an unfair advantage over other New Zealanders".
He said it's his view that lobbyists, as well as business and union representatives, should have to "go through the front door like every other New Zealander".
"Access to Parliament is controlled by the Speaker, but I've written to him today to express the Government's view this access should be removed," he said.
"I want, as much as possible, for this to be a bi-partisan issue and I call on other political parties to support this measure."
Hipkins said the voluntary code of conduct would help enhance transparency, including by potentially leading to lobbyists needing to publish the names of clients they represent on their websites.
"Others involved in lobbying, for instance peak bodies, industry associations and other entities may also wish to sign up for this as well.
"The Government will offer assistance from the Ministry of Justice to help draft the code and to provide research on overseas practises and guidance."
A stand-down period for former ministers before they could become lobbyists could be looked at as part of the long-term policy work.
