Question Time AU

General Debate

Australian Parliament

Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Senator David Pocock moved a motion calling for legislative reform to strengthen lobbying regulations, including an independent regulator and mandatory disclosure of ministerial meetings. He argued that current rules are inadequate because they exclude in-house lobbyists and lack enforcement mechanisms. The motion highlighted concerns about the revolving door between government and industry, as well as the influence of paid access schemes. The Senate agreed to the motion without recorded opposition.

Outcome

The motion was agreed to by the Senate.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

David Pocock (ACT) (Independent) Ind

Pocock argued that existing lobbying rules were insufficient because they excluded the majority of lobbyists, specifically those working in-house for corporations. Pocock noted that the current code was not law and lacked an independent regulator or meaningful penalties for breaches. Pocock called for legislation to cover all lobbyists, establish cooling-off periods to prevent the revolving door, and publish ministerial diaries to ensure transparency. Pocock contended that these measures were necessary to restore public trust in democratic institutions.