Cancer Council Australia backs call for a National Lobbying Act

Cancer Council Australia has joined more than 75 civil society organisations calling for the introduction of a National Lobbying Act to improve transparency, accountability and public trust in government decision-making. 

Coordinated by the Australian Democracy Network, the joint call brings together organisations from across the health, social services, environment, human rights, faith, digital rights and public integrity sectors. 

The coalition is advocating for stronger and more consistent lobbying rules to ensure Australians can see who is seeking to influence decisions that affect their lives and communities. 

Cancer Council Australia Director of Cancer Control Policy, David Martin, said transparent decision-making is essential to developing effective public health policy. 

"Health policy should be made transparently and in the public interest. Australians need to be able to see who is seeking to influence decisions that affect their health and wellbeing. 

“Strong lobbying rules help protect public policy from undisclosed commercial pressure and give the community confidence in how decisions are made." 

The proposed reforms would establish a stronger and more transparent framework for lobbying activities, including: 

• Universal rules ensuring all lobbyists are held to the same standard 
• Stronger, enforced lobbying bans to prevent conflicts of interests 
• Mandated transparency including the publication of ministerial diaries 
• An independent regulator with the authority to enforce the rules 
• Effective penalties to actually deter misconduct. 

Mr Martin added: “Cancer Council Australia supports measures that strengthen transparency and accountability in public policy development, particularly where decisions can have significant implications for health and wellbeing.” 

The call comes as concerns continue to grow about the need for greater visibility of lobbying activity and improved public confidence in government decision-making processes. 

Read the full release 

The full media release and details of the National Lobbying Act campaign are available on the Australian Democracy Network website.