Influence Government Decisions

HOW TO LOBBY GOVERNMENT

Si Insight Series: How to lobby government?

Action Your Expert Government Relations Advice.

So you have acquired some insights into government, and now it is time to maximise the value and benefit of that brilliant advice. But how do you put it into action?

Part 2: An engagement program - Identify the key players?

Now that you have prepared your strategy, developed your case and supporting evidence it is time to develop an engagement program. Make the effort to go to Canberra if need be.

Identify the key stakeholders and decision makers.

Don’t overlook independents and minor parties. Take time to consider their views. If your issue requires passage through the Senate then this is pivotal. Minor parties and independent hold the balance of power in most State Parliament Upper Houses.

Your case – refine key messaging. Review recent government statements, public documents and Hansard, including Parliamentary Committees.

Develop a strategy and engagement program. Be mindful of key events like elections and budgets, and ministerial reshuffles.

Si has made you aware of the role and importance of ministerial advisers – be sure to include them in your engagement program.

Invite Minister’s to visit your premises or facility – perhaps ask them to speak to a gathering of your senior executives or top clients.

Follow-up. Follow-up after every meeting with a government stakeholder. Thank them for their time and remind them of the key messages of your issue. If appropriate start sending them relevant announcements or updated about your organisation.

1.     Set goals

• Whether meeting a Minister, a public servant or a regulator, or making a submission, know what you need from a meeting and confirm the next steps.

2.     Be reliable

• Become a trusted adviser to government.
• When government asks for action or evidence, provide it on time.
• Be accurate and concise.

3.     Evaluate and Learn

• Always review your progress and be prepared to adapt or change.
• Circumstances and stakeholders change constantly. Be ready to take advantage of change.

CEOs ADVOCATING FOR THEIR OWN BUSINESS HAVE GREATER IMPACT ON GOVERNMENT THAN BRIEFINGS FACILITATED BY LOBBYISTS

Armed with strategic advice from an Si Expert, business leaders will know who to talk to and how to pitch their case.

Si expert advice empowers CEOs to impact government policy and influence decision making.

Why clients choose Si?:

• Avoid Lobbyist Register declaration.
• No risk of media scrutiny or exposure to competitors.
• Hassle free. Just direct and specific advice when you need it.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ADVICE WILL ALWAYS BEEN NEEDED

Demand for expert advice is driven by key government and policy announcements at the Federal and State level.

This includes changes of government, ministerial reshuffles, policy changes, reforms and reviews, annual budgets and ongoing expenditure review processes, major procurement and infrastructure projects, and regulatory changes.

Parliamentary activities including legislative changes and inquiries carried out through the committee structure.

Machinery of government changes and departmental realignments, including the natural churn of key officials in senior public service roles.

These changes and announcements are regular and expected, government will always be there, and elections must take place every 3-4 years, generating a constant flow of issues requiring professional advice.