Corruption watchdog releases report on lobbying of the Queensland government
A report by Queensland's Crime and Corruption Commission suggests the risk of corruption had "intensified" inside the state government, amid a surge in lobbying.
It found a small number of key groups and individuals appeared to have a "disproportionate amount of access" to the government and could be using those relationships to "influence government decision."
"In some instances, the individuals or groups afforded access have long-standing and close political or personal connections with the decision-makers or government they are seeking to influence," the report, published on Friday, said.
"Further, in some circumstances these individuals have been engaged by a political party or government agency while still involved in influencing practices, such as lobbying."
Meanwhile, the report, Influencing Practices in Queensland, also found there had been "a substantial increase" in lobbying activities in the state.
"The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated economic recovery efforts, appear to have contributed to the recent surge in lobbying activities in Queensland," the report said.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-18/qld-politics-palaszczuk-ccc-report-lobbying-influence/101164086