The deadline for people involved in lobbying or influencing politicians or members of the Australian Public Service on behalf of foreign entities has passed, with registrations required to be lodged before last Sunday (10 March).
Attorney-General, Christian Porter (pictured) announced the deadline saying the three-month grace period to register for the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme (FITS) had begun on 10 December 2018.
Mr Porter said the FITS would inform the public about the level and nature of foreign influence in Australia’s national and Governmental processes.
“For the first time Australia has mandatory public reporting requirements for people and entities that undertake certain activities on behalf of a foreign principal,” Mr Porter said.
“There is nothing wrong with undertaking these activities, but until the commencement of FITS there was no way for the Australian community to know that some activities were being directed by foreign principals.”
He said that while it was quite appropriate to try to influence — as opposed to interfere — with governmental decision-making and democratic processes, the Australian community had a right to see who was trying to exert such influence and why.
Mr Porter said those who failed to register or update their registration with specific activities could face severe penalties of up to five years in jail for some offences.
“Under the scheme, it is the responsibility of the person undertaking the activities to determine whether they are required to register and people who are undertaking activities on behalf of a foreign principal should ensure that if an existing obligation to register exists, they should do so,” he said.
