Commentary on Sections Information returns
62.Section 11 contains provision relating to each active registrant’s duty to submit information returns.
63.An active registrant must submit to the Clerk (in such a form as the Clerk may determine) an information return in respect of an initial period of six months (the start date of the initial period of six months being either the date on which first instance of lobbying in relation to which the registrant provided information under section 8(1) (duty to register in 30 days following first instance of engaging in regulated lobbying when not an active registrant) occurred or the date of the registrant’s application under section 9 (application by person who is not an active registrant and who has not engaged in regulated lobbying)), whichever is the case, and each subsequent period of 6 months. Information returns must be submitted before the end of the period of 2 weeks beginning immediately after the end of each 6 month period.
64.Section 11(3) provides that the first information return to be provided by an active registrant after the registrant provides information under section 8(1) (duty to register in 30 days following first instance of engaging in regulated lobbying when not an active registrant) must contain the information as set out in section 6 about the registrant’s regulated lobbying activity during the 6 month period in question (other than the first instance of regulated lobbying provided under section 8(1)(b)) or a statement that the registrant has not engaged in regulated lobbying activity in that period (other than that first instance).
65.Section 11(4) provides that every other information return submitted by a registrant under section 11 must contain the information set out in section 6 about the registrant’s regulated lobbying activity in the 6 month period in question or a statement that the registrant has not engaged in regulated lobbying activity in that period and, if any information included in relation to the registrant has become inaccurate, information about the changes that have occurred.
66.Section 11(5) provides that an active registrant may at any time notify the Clerk in writing:
	if any information included in the register in relation to that registrant has become inaccurate, about the changes that have occurred,
	about information about any code of conduct which governs regulated lobbying and in relation to which there is an undertaking for the registrant to comply,
	about such other information which, with the agreement of the Clerk, the registrant wishes to be included in the register.
67.The Clerk is required to update the register to include the information contained in an information return or received under section 11(5) as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving the information.