The reason that the reference used in the legislation is the Lobbying Act is that the registry does have some similarities to the intent of the Lobbying Act. Referencing the definitions in the Lobbying Act allows us to align with that piece of legislation, but also, if the Lobbying Act changes, then automatically the definitions of “public office holder” in FITAA would change, because it's being done by reference. It would always be up to date.
The amendment would lay out the same language, but if the Lobbying Act were to be amended, then the FITAA and the Lobbying Act would be different and could create some confusion for individuals who might have to register under both pieces of legislation.