Any good understanding of the relationship between political institutions and societal actors in Australia must include a focus on the presence and influence of groups (see Chapters 2 and 3). Pressure groups have to be accounted for in contemporary theories of democracy (Chapter 1). In contrast to the previous chapter, this chapter makes the case that pressure groups, rather than parties, increasingly are the main link between citizens and government. This claim would hardly surprise pluralist theorists; however, whether the operation of pressure groups and lobbyists in Australia conforms to their broader assumptions about the way pluralist democracy should work is another matter (see Chapter 1). This chapter explores how open different institutions are to engagement with pressure groups and lobbyists. It highlights the dilemma for governments about whether to regulate the access and influence of groups and lobbyists, and how such regulation is affected by the prevailing political context (see Chapter 2).