This week the South Australian Premier Mike Rann said he would implement a "rigorous lobbyist code of conduct with stringent rules governing their work and how they interact with ministers and other government representatives".
“Mr Rann said the South Australian code of conduct will see the establishment of a public register of lobbyists, and impose strict rules about former ministers and government executives engaging in lobbying activity after leaving public employment”.
All supposedly in response to those people who have been pointing out the serious conflicts of interest that permeate government decision making in South Australia and the need for a local ICAC type organisation.
As if this announcement is going to magically fix the endemic "old boys club" culture that pervades the activities of both major political parties in the state.
In the same week that Premier Rann made this heroic announcement, the Acting Premier - Kevin Foley announced that a former Premier - John Olsen would become a special envoy to the United States - to help identify business opportunities for South Australia.
Sounds like a case of too many Premiers to me.
The Acting premier declined to provide further details of this appointment including how much Mr Olsen would be paid - but said that "John Olsen is ideally placed to help the state". I suspect there would be some debate about that.
Perhaps this ex Premier is the outstanding and exceptional candidate - how would we know given that this appointment was made without scrutiny by the usual suspects in the "old boys club".
So I wonder if the "Lobbyist Code of Conduct" applies to Premiers, Acting Premiers and ex Premiers - and if not why not?
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