New South Wales ministers have been advised to avoid meeting alone with prominent lobbyist Eamonn Fitzpatrick or his firm, EJF Advisory, after the NSW Electoral Commission placed the firm on a watchlist. This decision follows alleged breaches of the state’s lobbying code.
The NSW lobbyist register indicated that EJF Advisory was placed on the watchlist starting 13 November 2025. The commission cited contraventions of the Lobbyists Code of Conduct and the Lobbying of Government Officials Act 2011 (Logo Act) as reasons for this action.
Alleged Breaches and Government Response
The commission’s allegations stem from EJF Advisory’s lobbying for two clients not registered on the Lobbyist Register in 2023. Additionally, the firm reportedly failed to update its registration details by 31 May 2025, as required. Consequently, an email was dispatched to all NSW ministers and parliamentary secretaries in November, advising them to ensure that at least two government officials are present during meetings with Fitzpatrick or EJF Advisory. These officials are tasked with taking notes, which must then be submitted to the head of the relevant public service agency.
Eamonn Fitzpatrick, who has a storied history as a senior media adviser for several high-profile Labor politicians, including former NSW premiers and prime ministers, now leads EJF Advisory. The firm is owned by EF and JH Investments Pty Ltd.
Fitzpatrick’s Response and Transparency Efforts
In a statement to the Guardian, Fitzpatrick emphasized his commitment to transparency and compliance across all jurisdictions where his firm operates. He acknowledged the errors and explained that they were self-reported to the NSW Electoral Commission on 1 November 2023.
“We rectified the lobbyist register immediately. We always declare who our clients are when contacting government officials,” Fitzpatrick stated.
The clients involved were reportedly an industry association and a defense contractor. While the breaches occurred in 2023, the commission delayed imposing a penalty until 2025, following a minor breach related to updating client lists.
Broader Implications and Regulatory Context
Fitzpatrick’s connections within the NSW Labor government are well-documented. His firm, previously known as Fitzpatrick Advisory, has been a significant donor to NSW Labor and individual politicians, including Chris Minns, the current Premier. Fitzpatrick’s influence is further evidenced by his appearances with federal and state leaders in various public forums.
Geoffrey Watson, a board member of the Centre for Public Integrity, expressed cautious optimism about the watchlist’s effectiveness. He stressed the importance of transparency in lobbying activities and called for the release of client names involved in breaches.
“The influence of lobbyists on government is one of the major concerns the public has,” Watson remarked.
This regulatory action highlights ongoing concerns about the transition of former staffers and ministers into lobbying roles. In 2021, the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) made 29 recommendations to strengthen the Logo Act, emphasizing the need for a dedicated lobbying commissioner and stricter disclosure requirements for ministers.
National and Future Perspectives
Lobbyists in NSW must submit a form for each ministerial meeting, but this system does not account for informal interactions. EJF Advisory is also registered at the federal level and in Victoria, where similar compliance requirements exist. A federal spokesperson noted that 14 breaches have been confirmed since 2023, all resolved administratively.
Fitzpatrick confirmed that a client oversight was also reported to federal authorities and resolved without penalty. The ongoing scrutiny of lobbying practices underscores the need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure transparency and integrity in governmental interactions.
The NSW government, led by Premier Chris Minns, has reiterated its commitment to integrity and compliance with existing laws and codes. As the situation evolves, the focus will remain on ensuring that lobbying activities are conducted transparently and within the bounds of the law.
