Media Release: Lobbying Reform Bill Released for Public Consultation

July 22, 2026

Lobbying Reform Bill Released for Public Consultation 

22 July 2026

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today released her Private Members Bill, the Political Lobbying (Integrity and Transparency) Bill 2026, for public consultation, describing it as a game-changer and the next logical step following the stalled Lobbying Oversight reforms attempted by the Integrity Commission last year.

“This Bill is the next logical step to provide Tasmanians with real and robust lobbying reforms,” Ms Webb said.

“Tasmanians should be able to see who is contacting the government and policy makers, when and on what matter, in a timely way.  This Bill seeks to deliver that transparency.

“We got close in 2025 with the Integrity Commission’s recommended lobbying oversight model.

“However, when those efforts stalled in the face of objections from some quarters, the then-Chief Commissioner, Greg Melick, stated a reform model would be best legislated.

“As a builder, not a blocker, I felt I had a responsibility to act and so I’ve developed a private members Bill to construct that next essential element of our integrity architecture.”

Ms Webb said she is now releasing her Bill for public consultation which seeks to legislate the Integrity Commission’s recommended model of lobbying oversight.

“Tasmanians deserve an effective, enforceable and fit-for-purpose political lobbying regulatory framework. They also deserve the chance to have a say on this Bill and the approach I’ve taken to legislating the Integrity Commission’s reform model.

“Ultimately, this Bill seeks to ensure paid advocacy occurring behind closed doors by political lobbyists is disclosed and brought into public view in a timely manner.”

Ms Webb said the proposed reforms in her Bill will be game-changing for Tasmania, with key features including:

  • Both third-party lobbyists and in-house lobbyists to be required to register as political lobbyists;
  • Expanding the scope of public officials who must disclose lobbying activities to include all Members of Parliament additional to Ministers, Secretaries to Cabinet and Parliamentary Secretaries, and all staff employed in MPs’ offices;
  • Public officials also include Heads of Government Departments;
  • Establishing a publicly available Contact Disclosure Log detailing the political lobbyist, their client on whose behalf a particular lobbying activity is being undertaken, who was present, when the activity occurred, and the subject matter of that activity;
  • A “cooling off” period of two years before any Minister, Cabinet Secretary or Parliamentary Secretary, or Head of Government Department can act as a political lobbyist on any matter with which they had dealings while in that position; and
  • Provision of a range of enforceable compliance mechanisms and penalties, including de-registration, fines and possible prison terms.

“I firmly believe this Bill can shift Tasmania from being the national laggard on political lobbying to become a beacon of gold-standard lobbying integrity.

“I look forward to receiving constructive feedback from stakeholders and the community.”