Rewriting the Rules of Engagement

The post-election landscape can present a depressing vista for some campaigners. If you’re involved in any kind of social change advocacy, then it’s highly likely your work, tactics and strategy involve some form of direct engagement with politicians - and when the dust settles it might be your best champion who is out of a job, or has been shuffled somewhere else, and you feel like you’re back to square one. 

While conventional wisdom might dictate focusing most of your time and energy targeting the ministers and shadows whose portfolios directly relate to your cause, the reality is these people are almost inevitably booked and busy. It can be tough to get their time or attention, especially if you don’t have a long history of engagement with them already or strong relationships or reputation to lean on, making the formation of the new parliament a challenge regardless of whether the government is returned or a new government is elected. 

This means small NGOs without well-developed government relations strategies or serious staff capacity need to develop other approaches to represent their communities and have their interests heard. Election cycles are only three years long - you have limited time and capacity, that means you have to be strategic and smart. 

While it can seem daunting for a short-staffed, overworked, time-poor organisation to start thinking about the next parliament, with the right approach, you and your organisation will soon be taking the smarter, higher-impact road to better political engagement and rock-solid parliamentary relationships. 

And that’s where we can help. 

As a general rule, engaging backbenchers, independents and minor parties is often a more accessible approach for NGOs in the early stages of building awareness of their organisation or issue (depending on who holds the balance of power of course!).

That’s because backbenchers, independents and minor parties have more time. This means they are more likely to give your cause a hearing; they can often play critical roles on parliamentary committees; and they have more capacity to play an active role in things like parliamentary friendship groups. This group also has more freedom to negotiate within the party line. They can ask the hard questions - whether that’s in the media, in the parliament or in the party room - and can be more candid with their views in order to more effectively influence public debate. 

Backbenchers also have better access and trust within their party - so while you, as an outsider, might not be able to get the meeting or provide a briefing to a portfolio-holder, perhaps they can? Internal advocacy is a powerful tool that can be leveraged by savvy advocates. 

Also, remember that backbenchers might not be backbenchers forever - depending on their political interests and aspirations, the newly-elected politicians of today are the portfolio-holders and decision makers of tomorrow. While many of these members may not have the power to directly influence your cause, establishing deep awareness and strong relationships early could be a more effective use of your time and reap greater benefits over the long term than if you approach them out of the blue when they join the cabinet or become the minister with direct power over your issue.  

Making friends on every side of the chamber is just as important. Independents and minor parties may hold the balance of power, particularly in the senate, which means they remain an important check on policy reforms. They also have smaller staff teams, meaning NGOs on the frontline are a valuable source of knowledge and expertise and with the right moves, you could quickly make yourself an invaluable ally. 

But how will you know who best to target? As we explored in our previous blog, with up to 50 new parliamentary seats likely to feature new faces, it’s no easy (or quick) task to narrow down a list of potential friends and possible allies. 

That’s why we’re analysing first speeches to give small organisations a leg up on newly elected politicians. We’ll understand your interests and send you a list of politicians who might be interested in your cause.

It’s the quickest, cheapest, and easiest way to get ahead this parliamentary cycle - get in touch today and we’ll explain how. 

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