The NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has announced that legislation will be introduced to Parliament to ban lobbyist success fees, over and above normal service fees.

 

Mr O’Farrell said the success fees could lead to a “climate conducive to corruption”, creating incentives for lobbyists to cut ethical corners and undermining public confidence in government. He said the legislation would help to clean up politics in NSW and correct years of shady deals.

 

The legislation will introduce fines of up to $55,000 for a corporation and $22,000 for an individual,  and confiscation of the success fee.

 

In addition, if a lobbyist charges a success fee - contrary to the new laws - they face the risk of de-registration. The Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet can remove lobbyists from the register, or refuse to register them at all, if their conduct has been unethical.