Icac’s drama and dirt files show NSW’s ‘guns for hire’ problem. But neither major party is serious about reform

NSW’s ICAC inquiry, Rosny, exposed how former Liberal staffers allegedly used political connections to advance developer Jean Nassif’s interests, while only one was registered as a lobbyist. The case has renewed concern about undeclared lobbying and prompted the NSW Labor government to introduce a bill, though the article argues neither major party is pursuing adequate reform.

The bill would make the NSW Electoral Commission the regulator of third-party lobbyists, give it stronger powers to audit compliance, and require lobbyists dealing with councils to register. It does not cover government relations staff employed directly by companies, and falls short of several recommendations ICAC made five years ago. The bill passed the lower house but may not become law before the election.