The short answer
Lobbying (Improving Government Honesty and Trust) Bill 2025: what it would change about lobbyist rules
The Lobbying (Improving Government Honesty and Trust) Bill 2025 is a private senator's bill introduced by Independent Senator David Pocock that would establish a new statutory scheme governing dealings between lobbyists and Australian Government representatives. The bill was introduced in the Senate on 12 February 2025. It lapsed at the prorogation of Parliament on 21 July 2025 but was restored to the Notice Paper on 23 July 2025. The second reading was debated on 4 September 2025, and the bill remains before the Senate. As a private senator's bill, it does not have Government support and its path to passage is uncertain. It is Before Senate as of 17 July 2026.
This is a federal system guide. State constitutions, parliaments and local-government laws can allocate comparable functions differently.
The useful question is not only “what is the rule?” but also “who administers it, which document controls it, and when might it change?” That distinction prevents an accurate general explanation from becoming wrong advice in a particular election, chamber or policy setting.
Evidence review
What this bill proposes
The bill would establish a new statutory framework for regulating dealings between lobbyists and government representatives. The official summary describes it as establishing 'a scheme in relation to dealings between lobbyists and Government representatives.' While the bill's detailed provisions are contained in the full text and explanatory memorandum (housed on ParlInfo and subject to the Parliament's document access system), the bill's title and stated purpose indicate it aims to strengthen the transparency, accountability, and integrity of lobbying activity at the Commonwealth level.
Australia's current lobbying regulation operates primarily through a ministerial code of conduct and a non-statutory Lobbying Code of Conduct administered by the Attorney-General's Department. Critics of the current system argue it lacks legislative force, has limited investigative powers, and does not adequately cover all forms of government-lobbyist interaction. Senator Pocock's bill would seek to address these concerns by putting lobbying regulation on a statutory footing.
Evidence review
The current lobbying regulation framework
Australia's current approach to lobbying regulation is primarily non-statutory. The Lobbying Code of Conduct, introduced in 2008 and updated several times since, sets out requirements for lobbyists including registration on a public register, disclosure of clients, and compliance with post-separation employment rules for former ministers and senior officials. However, the code operates as an administrative instrument rather than legislation — it does not create enforceable legal obligations in the same way a statute would.
The Register of Lobbyists is maintained by the Attorney-General's Department and is publicly searchable. As of 2026, it lists registered lobbyists, their clients, and the names of former government representatives who are now working as lobbyists. The code also imposes a 'cooling-off period' — former ministers must wait 18 months, and former senior public servants 12 months, before they can engage in lobbying activities related to their former portfolio.
Evidence review
What a statutory lobbying scheme could mean
Moving lobbying regulation from an administrative code to legislation would give the rules greater legal force and permanence. A statutory scheme could provide for: independent oversight of lobbying activity rather than self-regulation by the executive; enforceable penalties for non-compliance beyond removal from the register; broader coverage of lobbying activities including 'in-house' lobbyists employed by corporations and advocacy organisations who are currently not covered by the register; and parliamentary scrutiny of the scheme's operation through reporting requirements.
The bill builds on recommendations from multiple inquiries and integrity bodies that have called for stronger lobbying regulation. The 2019 'Set the Standard' report by the Independent Review into Parliamentary Workplaces and other integrity reviews have highlighted gaps in the current system, particularly around the revolving door between government and industry, and the lack of coverage for in-house lobbyists.
Evidence review
Parliamentary history
The bill was introduced in the Senate on 12 February 2025 by Senator David Pocock, an Independent senator for the Australian Capital Territory. On 21 July 2025, the bill lapsed when Parliament was prorogued ahead of the opening of a new session — this is a standard procedural event that affects all bills on the Notice Paper. The bill was restored to the Notice Paper on 23 July 2025 under the Senate's routine procedures for the restoration of lapsed business.
The second reading debate occurred on 4 September 2025, during which Senator Pocock and other senators spoke to the bill's objectives. Following debate, the second reading was adjourned — a common procedural step that keeps the bill alive while allowing further consideration at a future date. As of July 2026, the bill remains at the second reading stage before the Senate.
Evidence review
Broader context: integrity reform
Senator Pocock's bill sits within a broader parliamentary and public conversation about integrity and transparency in Australian politics. The establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in 2023 was a significant step, but multiple reviews have identified lobbying regulation as a remaining gap in the integrity framework. Several parliamentary committee reports have recommended tightening lobbying rules, and crossbench members in both houses have introduced related bills on political donations, ministerial standards, and parliamentary ethics.
The bill's title — referencing 'improving government honesty and trust' — frames lobbying reform as part of a broader integrity agenda. Whether through this bill, Government legislation, or continued operation of the current code, the regulation of lobbying activity in Australia is an area of ongoing policy development and parliamentary attention.
Common questions
Before you rely on the answer
Who introduced this bill?
Senator David Pocock, an Independent senator for the Australian Capital Territory, introduced the bill on 12 February 2025. Senator Pocock has made integrity and transparency in government a significant part of his parliamentary agenda since being elected in 2022.
What happened when the bill lapsed in July 2025?
The bill lapsed on 21 July 2025 when Parliament was prorogued — a procedural event that occurs between parliamentary sessions and causes all unfinished business to lapse. Under Senate procedures, lapsed bills can be restored, and this bill was restored to the Notice Paper on 23 July 2025, allowing it to continue its progress.
How is lobbying currently regulated in Australia?
Lobbying at the Commonwealth level is primarily regulated by the Lobbying Code of Conduct, a non-statutory administrative instrument. It requires lobbyists to register, disclose their clients, and comply with post-separation employment restrictions. Critics argue the current system lacks legislative enforceability and does not cover in-house lobbyists.
Has this bill passed?
No. As of July 2026, the bill remains before the Senate at the second reading stage. It was debated on 4 September 2025 and the second reading was adjourned. As a private senator's bill without Government support, its passage prospects are uncertain.
Source spine
Primary material used for this guide
Review trigger: Second reading debate resumes, bill passes Senate or either house, is amended, lapses, or Government introduces its own lobbying reform legislation
Archive note: This article was written on 2026-07-17 based on the bill as introduced on 12 February 2025 and restored on 23 July 2025. The bill's status and provisions may change as it progresses through Parliament.
Primary links are provided without affiliate or tracking parameters. Confirm that the source still applies to the bill, sitting date, jurisdiction or reporting period before relying on it.