Successful Public Affairs

Getting What You Need Through Successful Public Affairs

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Politics! Not interested. Politicians! I wouldn't give them the time of day.

Not uncommon sentiments for many, but today there isn't a business or organisation that can afford to ignore the impact governments can, and do, have through their actions.

And if it's not government it may be some other influential organisation, the general public or the media that affect public debate about issues related to your business.

Like it or not, realise it or not, decisions made in the public sector shape, influence and impact not only how your business or organisation operates but can significantly effect its reputation.

An ongoing public affairs strategy involving monitoring and managing public debate and critical government decisions, legislation and direction, can influence public policy decision-making and improve corporate/government relationships.

In further articles below, we note a number of inquiries and reviews currently underway that will impact on many organisations and businesses in the health and education and training sectors.

Here, we identify how developing a successful public affairs strategy can deliver the outcomes you need when confronted with a changing public or political landscape.

Through our years of experience and research a successful public affairs strategy has a number of key elements worth keeping in mind:

Monitoring and following the political and public climate.

Identifying and understanding the key players and/or decision makers.

Developing your argument with demonstrable evidence.

Identifying the strengths and weakness of your case.

Understanding the counter or opponents argument and its strengths and weakness.

Timing is critical. Early engagement and presentation of your case generally avoids trying to influence or change a policy decision that has already been made.

Identifying your likely supporters. They may be useful ambassadors for your case and cause.

Don't forget the Senate or the upper house. Even if the Government controls the chamber in its own right, many of these members are influential in the decision making process and/or well connected to key players.

Briefing and keeping others who may have an interest in your case informed, such as backbench Members of Parliament.

Identifying and briefing Members of Parliament on Party or Parliamentary Committees relevant to your issue.

Consider informing or trying to persuade those with an opposing or different view early in the process.

Liaising and briefing relevant public servants and political advisers in Ministerial Offices.

Consider briefing the Parliamentary Press Gallery or other media. They may add weight to your case if presented correctly and it provides an interesting story. This process needs to be carefully considered and sensitive to the discussions you are having with Government.

Accepting offers of assistance and be specific about how they can help.

Keeping all those involved briefed as the strategy develops and particularly if it changes.

Briefings should be just that - brief, friendly and businesslike. These briefings should always be followed up with a "thank you" and the provision of additional material if appropriate.

Focus on advancing your positive argument or case rather than simply being critical of the alternative positions.

Above all, we find that a successful public affairs strategy is an ongoing process. It involves understanding the policy making process, public opinion development and influencing as well as building and developing relationships.

If you'd like to now more about developing a successful public affairs strategy to help you get what you need for your organisation or business contact us by clicking here.

To subscribe to Springboard Australia's Newsletter click here.