That was Then, This is Now #30 – Lobbyists, transparency, and National's confusing messages

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That was then…

"We'd also like to see a transparent, publicly accountable register of who's doing the lobbying and who they're lobbying for." - Nicola Willis, National deputy leader (in Opposition), 4 April 2023

This is now.

"The identities of people allowed to freely come and go from Parliament have been made secret by the new Speaker.

Gerry Brownlee told RNZ he did not agree with the blanket ban on lobbyists having swipe card access and some discretion was needed.

He had approved swipe card access for about four new people, who he said could be described as having lobbying roles. But they were not employed by professional lobbying firms and largely had jobs assisting parties in Parliament.

He would not be "facilitating commercial activities" for lobbying firms. But in a departure from previous Speakers, Brownlee said he wouldn't publish the 'approved visitor list' of people with swipe card access to Parliament, in order to protect their privacy." - RNZ Report, 12 February 2024

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References

RNZ: Willis - supports a code of conduct for lobbyists

RNZ: Chris Hipkins - Lobbyists' swipe card access to Parliament a 'perception issue' (Audio)

RNZ: Lobbyists are back at Parliament - with a new privacy measure hiding their identities

Other Blogs

No Right Turn: Brownlee enables corruption

The Standard: Who are the four lobbyists with Parliamentary swipe cards?

Previous related blogposts

That was Then, This is Now #29 – Joyce’s $11.7 billion hole – goneburger!

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