Welcome to our new occasional blog series, ‘Under the Campaign Hood’, in which we take a closer look at some of the specific projects and campaigns that we’re engaged with that illuminate different perspectives on our work and how we put theory into practice. First up, Marg explores how the insidious nature of the gambling industry manages to manipulate and co-opt the social capital of worthwhile causes and trusted public figures and unpicks how seemingly innocent media moments are benefitting an industry that extracts $25 billion from the community each year and the uphill battle gambling reform advocates face everyday. 

The election result has transformed the political landscape. Sector advocates need to act accordingly. Margaret Quixley and Cara Schultz of Impact Collective give some pointers for navigating the new paradigm.

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 is out of a job, or has been shuffled somewhere else, and you feel like you’re back to square one.

I knew from a young age that I wanted to make a difference in the world. I didn’t always know what that would look like. In primary school it was as a first aid volunteer on weekends for St John Ambulance. In high school it was protesting against war. In university I took a keen interest in policy and politics, swept up in Obamamania and later the appointment of Australia’s first female Prime Minister.