I would once again point out that GRIC is not here to ask for more lenient lobbying rules. We are asking for clearer lobbying rules.
What's missing today is a clear red line running through lobbying rules and regulations, a line that says on one side that this is acceptable behaviour, and on the other side that this is not. In some cases the best advice we get from OCL is to go about our business and they'll let us know later on if we're guilty of an offence.
When we put that approach alongside confusing advice such as we should report all unplanned but arranged communications, it is clear that changes to the way the act is interpreted and administered are necessary to ensure the system is predictable, accountable, and transparent for lobbyists and public office holders alike.
Thank you for the invitation to be here today. We look forward to answering your questions.