Guides

Explainer: Budget Estimates

Learn why Budget Estimates are an important part of the political process and help keep governments accountable to taxpayers

The power of political monitoring in government relations

Why political monitoring is a potent tool for advocating change, influencing policies, and shaping laws.

Productive Ministerial Meetings

Ministerial Meetings are one of the most valuable engagement opportunities. Make sure to make the most of them.

Making the most of Winter Recesses

Using this time to connect with policy-makers without the pressure of parliamentary proceedings.

Explainer: Parliamentary Committees

Learn why committees are an essential opportunity to engage with policy-makers.

Making the most of Budget week

Whether you’re in Parliament for Budget Night or not, there are ways to make most of your Budget week.

Generating Media in Advocacy

While some say ‘all publicity is good publicity’, we share four tips to make sure all media publicity is an opportunity for good publicity.

Digital Advocacy Strategies

With digital strategies forming the backbone of most advocacy campaigns today, we share some simple tips to optimise your approach.

Prioritising Policy Issues

Priorities can (and will) change over time but establishing focus areas will allow you to be more strategic

Hosting a 'Welcome Back' Event

Tuesday or Wednesday, drinks or dinner. Here's how to make 'welcome back' events work for you.

Writing Compelling Submissions

How to write submissions that resonate with policy-makers

Making the Most of Caretaker Periods

Caretaker period is the perfect time to lock in your post-election engagement strategy.

Explainer: Labor Factions

Sub-groups exist in most major political parties, and the ALP is no exception. So, what are the factions? and what role do they play?

Explainer: The Role of a Backbencher

Aside from the obvious fact that they sit on the back bench – what does a backbencher's role entail?

Meeting with New Ministers

You've secured your first meeting with a freshly minted Minister. Here's how to make it a success.

Election Year Engagement

Be present, but be sensitive to your government stakeholders' priorities - it's not their average year.

Writing a Government Engagement Plan

Three key steps to mapping out your government engagement

Engaging the Public Service

The bureaucracy is one of the most fundamental players in any government's decision making.

Engaging Political Advisers

Chances are you'll spend more time with an adviser than their MP. Here are our top tips for effectively engaging these key stakeholders.

Future-Proof Advocacy

Planning for every outcome is hard, but working these strategies in to your advocacy campaigns is crucial to avoid being left in the lurch.

Hosting a Lunch Briefing

Knowing how to manage a professional lunch has become an invaluable part of any advocacy strategy. Here's how to make an impression.

Writing a Ministerial Briefing Note

Every meeting with a Minister is important, but your briefing note is what they'll take away. Here's how to make sure it stays top-of-the-pile.

Leveraging Sponsorships

Sponsorships were once the domain of stadiums and retailers. Now, with good targeting they can improve any advocacy campaign.

Recruiting Former Staffers

Win or lose, lots of staff will be looking for something new after an election. Here's how to recruit one.

Understanding Personality Types

Every meeting is impacted by the 'type' of person you're meeting with. This week we look at the top five personality types and how to spot them.

Post-Election Engagement

Best practice engagement for new and returning MPs

Leveraging Inaugural Speeches

First speeches are a window into the lives of new MPs, and a close reading can give you the edge your advocacy needs.

Leveraging Grassroots Advocacy

Supporting a chorus of allied community voices is an effective tactic in any advocacy campaign.

Planning a Christmas Event

Christmas drinks events are usually the last event-based advocacy opportunity for the year.

Political Fundraisers

The political fundraising period occurs before elections when the major players pull out all the stops to raise a war chest to fight the upcoming campaign.

Leveraging Pre-Election Budgets

The Government is always keen to make long term mileage out of any Federal Budget, especially leading up to an election.

Mastering Negotiation in Advocacy

Negotiation can be daunting at the best of times, let alone with politicians and government stakeholders. Master your game with these top tips.

Business Observer Programs

Political Conventions and Councils are marquee events on the calendars of the major political parties, but should they be pencilled into your diary?

Conducting Research on a Shoestring

Research for the purposes of advocacy doesn't have to break the bank.

Preparing to Front the Media

Five things every spokesperson should know before taking the stage

Hosting a Site Visit

The best visits are meticulously organised, so taking the time to plan them is paramount.

Building Relationships with Ministerial Offices

In politics it's essential to identify all your gatekeepers as you build relationships and secure ongoing access with relevant Ministers.

Planning a Government Hospitality Event

If you're new to government hospitality or just need a refresher, you too can create a high-impact event by following these seven simple steps.

Building Trust with Policy Makers

Whether it's pitching policy change or a business idea, people 'buy' from those they trust

Preparing for an MP Meeting

How to best prepare for a meeting with an elected official

Engaging with Political Advisers

Staffers are the trusted advisers, subject matter experts, and humble servants who guide their bosses everyday.