Transparency needed on lobbying

National is being urged to take a positive stand on a bill that would shine light on what goes on with lobbyists.

The Greens' Lobbying Disclosure Bill has been pulled from the ballot.

It would ensure tougher scrutiny for lobbyists who try to sway politicians.

National will not yet be pinned down on any position.

Labour's Open Government spokeswoman Clare Curran says it's pretty clear that New Zealanders are cynical about politics, politicians and the political process.

"All politicians across parliament need to be mindful of that, and need to be vigilant."

Ms Curran says lobbying is a perfectly valid activity, but some lobbyists have more access to politicians than others and are not required to disclose who they lobby or who they are working for.

Ms Curran says the Government can't just shrug off the issue of transparency.

"What we are seeing from the government at the moment is lip service being paid to transparency, but the reality is more and more decision making is happening behind closed doors and there is no public scrutiny."

Clare Curran says if National doesn't support the Bill, it would be sending a disturbing message that it supports the back room deals and the cronyism that is creeping into some ministersâ behaviour.