The Nature of Lobbying
Com318
Lobbying Practices
Jessica Maclennan
Lobbying involves the advocacy of an interest that is affected, controlled or protected by government leaders. The practice of lobbying has the power to voice concerns, shape political policy and influence leaders. With such power being held within the hands of lobbyers it raises questions on the restrictions and regulations that should be upheld within lobbying.
Ever since the Federation in 1901, the government has been steadily extending its direct power and indirect influence through the activities of its citizens (Scott, 1980, p.226). Lobbying arose and was traditionally groups or individuals that were interested in influencing various government policies and voicing their concerns to a public forum. It is generally accepted that lobbying is necessary to the functioning of our political system (O.Hughes, 1970, p.171). It provides the democratic rights of freedom of association and freedom of political expression by embodying the right to participate in policy making and the right to demand redress of grievances (S.Finer, 1980). The largest lobby groups include Greenpeace, the Women’s Electoral Lobby and the Social Services Lobby group. Lobbying serves as a safe guard, it allows people to ask questions, push for answers and allow the public access into the understanding of government. The power of lobbying is established through the highly influential people that work for lobbying groups, most consultants are from a political background such as political staffers and retired politicians or union representatives. Making strategic representation is expensive, and requires the knowledge of the structure and process of government to ensure that leverage must be applied at the most appropriate place and time for the most powerful outcome (G.Davis, J.Wanna, J.Warhurst & P.Weller, 1988). It is for this reason, concern can be raised that parliamentary members can switch from political work directly into lobbying
Lobbying Practices
Jessica Maclennan
Lobbying involves the advocacy of an interest that is affected, controlled or protected by government leaders. The practice of lobbying has the power to voice concerns, shape political policy and influence leaders. With such power being held within the hands of lobbyers it raises questions on the restrictions and regulations that should be upheld within lobbying.
Ever since the Federation in 1901, the government has been steadily extending its direct power and indirect influence through the activities of its citizens (Scott, 1980, p.226). Lobbying arose and was traditionally groups or individuals that were interested in influencing various government policies and voicing their concerns to a public forum. It is generally accepted that lobbying is necessary to the functioning of our political system (O.Hughes, 1970, p.171). It provides the democratic rights of freedom of association and freedom of political expression by embodying the right to participate in policy making and the right to demand redress of grievances (S.Finer, 1980). The largest lobby groups include Greenpeace, the Women’s Electoral Lobby and the Social Services Lobby group. Lobbying serves as a safe guard, it allows people to ask questions, push for answers and allow the public access into the understanding of government. The power of lobbying is established through the highly influential people that work for lobbying groups, most consultants are from a political background such as political staffers and retired politicians or union representatives. Making strategic representation is expensive, and requires the knowledge of the structure and process of government to ensure that leverage must be applied at the most appropriate place and time for the most powerful outcome (G.Davis, J.Wanna, J.Warhurst & P.Weller, 1988). It is for this reason, concern can be raised that parliamentary members can switch from political work directly into lobbying