From Purpose to Policy: Legal Insights on Charities Engaging in Advocacy

Earlier this month, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) published the 11th edition of the Australian Charities Report (Report).  The Report is based on aggregated data from the 2023 ACNC reporting period and, for data enthusiasts like me, offers a comprehensive snapshot of the state and composition of the sector in Australia.

It’s been a rough few weeks for the Liberal and National Parties.

First, they suffered a devastating defeat in the 2025 Federal Election—down to just 43 combined seats (far below Labor’s 94 seats, an equal for most seats ever won).

Then, the infighting began (or at least became public) and the Coalition agreement was dissolved. While it didn’t take long for them to come back together to re-form the Coalition, we’ve heard from Coalition sources that the broken relationships and systemic issues remain worse than ever.

Labor’s landslide victory marks a major shift—now is the time to align your advocacy. Explore insights, strategies, and practical tips to engage effectively with Australia’s 48th Parliament.

Every election brings a wave of questions—Who’s running? What do they stand for? Who should I talk to? If you’re advocating for change, the answers depend on your issue, your electorate, and who holds the balance of power. In this blog, we break down the key players in Australian politics—from major parties like Labor and the Liberals, to influential minors like the Greens and the ‘Teals’. Whether you're building relationships or planning your next campaign, understanding the landscape is the first step to effective engagement.

With a hung parliament looking likely, broad political engagement is essential. Build relationships across all parties, focus on local impact, and stay neutral to maintain influence.

What can we expect for the upcoming election? Our Associate Katerine says: Prepare for anything. An election this close to call could very well mean a hung Parliament. Read her blog for some key tips to support your organisation in taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the election.

The caretaker period may delay decisions, but social purpose organisations shouldn't pause. With potential leadership changes ahead, now is the time to share insights, strengthen relationships, and plan for the post-election landscape.

In the lead up to the Australian Election and Federal Budget it is critical for organisations to begin looking at their advocacy priorities.

We explore key strategies and actions that organisations can take to manage multiple elections in quick succession and maximise their impact. By Neil Pharaoh and Rory Parker.