As part of the impetus to improve the declining public faith in democracy and political institutions in Australia, governments should seek to regulate the strong influence of vested interests and influence peddlers that can drown out other less well-resourced and well-connected voices within a democracy.

Reform of lobbying regulation in Australia to enhance the scope of its coverage and the level of disclosure of lobbying activity, will shine the light of transparency in an area currently hidden in the shadows. It will reduce the risk of corruption by lobbyists and public officials, and ultimately promote the democratic norms of political equality and fairness.