The Tanck Blog
Politics, policy, campaigns and advocacy.
We give you our latest insights on political trends, elections, lobbying and advocacy news, as well as tips and ideas for better government engagement and government relations.
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The enduring importance of evidence, coalition-building and strategic engagement
As advocacy becomes increasingly fragmented, a renewed focus on evidence, coalition-building and strategic engagement is essential to achieving meaningful and lasting social change.
With a tight Federal budget, philanthropic investment must work harder
As governments tighten spending and public debt remains high, philanthropy has an increasingly important role to play. New research from Tanck and Perpetual highlights the need for longer-term, strategically designed philanthropic investment that strengthens capability, advocacy and systems change.
The role of civil society in communities is not just valuable, it is essential
As trust declines and public debate fragments, civil society organisations play a critical role in connecting communities with decision-makers and strengthening democratic participation.
The 26-27 Federal Budget Quietly Confirms Australia’s Reliance on Civil Society
Every Federal Budget tells a story about what government believes matters, behind the headlines, capital gains, taxes, war and security something else is in this budget.
Four-Year Terms: Agreed, Obvious, and Still Not Done
There are very few policy reforms in Australia that have near-universal agreement and still go nowhere. Fixed four-year federal terms sit firmly in that category.
This is not a fringe idea. Every state and territory already operates on four-year cycles. Most comparable democracies do the same. At the federal level, we continue to run on three.
As Maddy Gray stated on The Pub Test (Podcast), presented by Tanck and Baker & York, the issue is not just the length of the term, but what that structure allows governments to do. Her experience across public service, political offices, and the private sector points to a consistent problem: the current system constrains delivery.
Lazy Advocacy: Why a Media Release isn’t a strategy (and how it hurts your chances with government)
There’s a persistent myth in advocacy and campaigning that issuing a media release aimed at government equals influence. On the contrary: it doesn’t, it never has, and likely never will.
In fact, it’s often the least effective form of government engagement and, if anything, it sets your cause backwards. This includes the all-too-common “bundling”, where a heap of organisations put their logos at the bottom as well. Putting out a public statement telling a government to “do better” might feel like action, but will rarely get a mention in the media, and is regularly seen as lazy advocacy.
Interview with Katie Acheson
For Katie Acheson, a healthy, vibrant democracy doesn’t start with politicians or policies or even political institutions.
It starts with people – specifically, young people.
Katie has been examining youth inclusion as part of the Churchill Scholarship she was awarded in 2023. That journey took her to the United Kingdom, Europe and Canada seeking out what Australia can learn from other countries about better ways of including young people in decision-making.
What everyone in Philanthropy needs to hear about Government Engagement
Australia has much to thank philanthropy for. Over many years funders have been responsible for bridging the gaps in vital services, highlighting issues that need addressing and bringing about genuine long-term change.
How to have fun at work - and it involves politicians
When you’re thinking of the fun things you can do at work, what springs to mind?
Chances are government engagement isn’t the first thing you thought of, but it can be fun, and it should be. The more you enjoy it, the more impact you will have - and that will have a flow on effect to your organisation.