What is the job of a lobbyist in government?

A lobbyist's job is essentially to be a professional advocate for a particular group. They’re hired by all sorts of organisations – from big corporations and industry bodies to trade unions and even charities.

Their main goal is to influence government policy. They want to shape new laws and regulations to benefit the group they represent. Or sometimes, their job is to stop a law that might harm their interests.

So, how do they actually do it? A huge part of the job is building relationships with politicians, their advisors, and public servants. They arrange meetings to present their case directly. They provide detailed information and research to support their arguments and explain the real-world impact of a decision. It's all about ensuring their group's perspective is heard loud and clear by the decision-makers in Canberra.

In a nutshell, they are a direct line between an interest group and the government. While the practice can be controversial, it’s fundamentally a way for different parts of our society to have their say on issues that directly affect them.