Transparency in Democracy: Unveiling the Influence of Industries Through a New Search Tool

Transparency in Democracy: Unveiling the Influence of Industries Through a New Search Tool

In an effort to bolster transparency and accountability within democratic systems, the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), in collaboration with the Alliance for Gambling Reform, has unveiled a pioneering search tool known as the Influence Engine. This innovative tool is designed to provide the public with greater accessibility to information regarding the influence exerted by corporations, particularly within the alcohol industry, on political decision-making. The Influence Engine was developed with financial backing from Mannifera, underscoring its commitment to fostering transparency.

Understanding Industry Influence

The term “industry influence” encompasses a range of activities undertaken by corporations and lobby groups to sway government decisions and policies in their favour. This influence is exerted through lobbying efforts that may include political donations, gifting, and hospitality extended to lawmakers. The objective is often to protect corporate profits by persuading legislators to endorse specific laws or to delay legislation that could negatively impact these interests.

Functionality of the Influence Engine

The Influence Engine operates similarly to conventional search engines, allowing users to enter specific search terms to generate relevant results. It automatically extracts data from the Parliamentary Registers of Interest every 24 hours, making this information readily searchable. Prior to the introduction of this tool, accessing such data was a laborious process, requiring manual searches through the Parliamentary website. The Influence Engine simplifies this process, enabling users to easily search for records related to politicians’ interests, such as shares in corporations or receipt of gifts and hospitality.

Impact of Gifting by the Alcohol Industry

During the current Parliamentary term, the Influence Engine has uncovered that alcohol companies and lobby groups have held 86 gifting events for 52 politicians, equating to interactions with one in four Members of Parliament. These gifts include tickets and hospitality to high-profile sporting events like the Australian Open and the Melbourne Cup, as well as alcohol gifts valued over $300. Such activities highlight the extent of corporate efforts to influence political decision-making.

The Role of Transparency in Strengthening Democracy

The Influence Engine represents a significant step towards enhancing transparency in democratic processes. By making information about industry influence more accessible, the tool aims to create an environment of greater accountability. This transparency is crucial in ensuring that political decisions prioritise the health and safety of communities over corporate interests, particularly in sectors like alcohol that have far-reaching societal implications.

Development and Support of the Influence Engine

The creation of the Influence Engine was a collaborative effort involving FARE, the Alliance for Gambling Reform, and various stakeholders from the public interest and advocacy sectors. The project’s funding from Mannifera reflects a shared commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in political processes. The tool is freely available to the public, reinforcing its role as an accessible resource for those seeking to understand and challenge the influence of industry on political systems.

Source: FARE

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