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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Why Your Government Funding Strategy Isn’t Working
Government funding frustration is often about more than scarcity. Misalignment, limited political research, weak budget engagement and fragmented advocacy can all reduce an organisation’s influence.
Tanck’s Theory of Change: Three disciplines to ensure your organisation is heard and taken seriously
Influence isn't built on passion alone. Discover the three disciplines that help organisations engage government strategically, strengthen credibility, and create lasting policy impact.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Political engagement lessons every organisation must learn
The world is changing quickly, and political engagement is more important than ever. Organisations need government engagement skills, but they also require knowing how to transform that engagement to real advocacy power to make things happen.