Always a good time to start political engagement

One of the questions I often get asked is when is a good time to start political engagement. The answer is it’s always a good time! If you aren’t engaged and letting Parliamentarians know you and your organisation exists, then it is less likely you will be thought of. This includes appointments to advisory groups, invitations to round tables or forums, or inclusion of your initiatives in policy or budgets.

The general premise in government relations and engagement is if you aren’t clear about who you are and what you want, then you won’t be heard. Parliamentarians, in particular Ministers, have dozens if not hundreds of people and organisations meeting with them and their advisers. You do need to stand out and not just bring problems, but solutions. If you say you are a leading voice, then you demonstrate that – you are the experts.

Effective and productive government relations should involve the following:

• Clear, consistent strategy – identify what is that you want; what are the processes; what’s the timeframe.

• How does your ask or strategy align with government policy and how will it benefit existing processes?

• Build strong relationships with advisers to Parliamentarians, and departments and agencies.

• Use parliamentary and political processes and think about what’s going to be most useful.

• Do the work to have your ask clearly set-out – data, costings and messaging.

• Build alliances and have the support you need to back in your asks, including with other stakeholders.

The key point is it takes times – sometimes years - repetition and perseverance. There are still no guarantees, but if you aren’t saying it and it’s not clear, you won’t be heard.

With a new calendar and political year underway now is the time to start thinking about your engagement strategy. Federally and in all states and territories, committees will restart their business and sitting weeks will begin. In Victoria it is an election year and engagement with Government, the Opposition and Crossbenchers should be underway – if it isn’t, then it’s time to get started.

The approach at Regis Strategis to political engagement strategy is to focus on long-term relationship building with key decision-makers. Regis Strategis can assist to develop effective and sustained engagement plans and strategies for positive relationships with Parliamentarians and government officials.

Time to start your new year political engagement plan and strategy!