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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Advocacy and Campaigning, Communications and Media, Compliance, Consulting, Purpose and Values Tanck Advocacy and Campaigning, Communications and Media, Compliance, Consulting, Purpose and Values Tanck

Advocacy: Eight steps to getting started

For many organisations, the barrier to stronger government engagement is not belief in advocacy, but uncertainty about where to begin. The sector does not need another abstract framework. It needs practical guidance on what to do next. Here are eight starting steps for a successful advocacy program.

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Advocacy and Campaigning, Budgets and Funding, Consulting, Federal Government, Legislation and Policy, Political Parties, Purpose and Values Tanck Advocacy and Campaigning, Budgets and Funding, Consulting, Federal Government, Legislation and Policy, Political Parties, Purpose and Values Tanck

Government Advocacy: what’s in it for me and my organisation? 

Government engagement isn’t just about advocacy. It’s an organisational capability that can strengthen funding resilience, reduce reactive pressure and support long-term sustainability.

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Advocacy and Campaigning, Budgets and Funding, Federal Government, Legislation and Policy, Purpose and Values, Strategy and Planning, Whitepaper Tanck Advocacy and Campaigning, Budgets and Funding, Federal Government, Legislation and Policy, Purpose and Values, Strategy and Planning, Whitepaper Tanck

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.

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Advocacy and Campaigning, Charities and Not-For-Profit, Consulting, For-Purpose and Social Purpose, Legislation and Policy, Purpose and Values, Strategy and Planning, Whitepaper Tanck Advocacy and Campaigning, Charities and Not-For-Profit, Consulting, For-Purpose and Social Purpose, Legislation and Policy, Purpose and Values, Strategy and Planning, Whitepaper Tanck

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.

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Advocacy and Campaigning, Consulting, Legislation and Policy, Purpose and Values, Strategy and Planning, Whitepaper Tanck Advocacy and Campaigning, Consulting, Legislation and Policy, Purpose and Values, Strategy and Planning, Whitepaper Tanck

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.

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Advocacy and Campaigning, Communications and Media, Consulting, Federal Government, Legislation and Policy, Purpose and Values, Social Justice, Strategy and Planning, Whitepaper Tanck Advocacy and Campaigning, Communications and Media, Consulting, Federal Government, Legislation and Policy, Purpose and Values, Social Justice, Strategy and Planning, Whitepaper Tanck

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.

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Advocacy and Campaigning, Budgets and Funding, Federal Government, Legislation and Policy, Political Parties, Purpose and Values, Whitepaper Tanck Advocacy and Campaigning, Budgets and Funding, Federal Government, Legislation and Policy, Political Parties, Purpose and Values, Whitepaper Tanck

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.


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Advocacy and Campaigning, Board and Management, Budgets and Funding, Communications and Media, Purpose and Values, Strategy and Planning Tanck Advocacy and Campaigning, Board and Management, Budgets and Funding, Communications and Media, Purpose and Values, Strategy and Planning Tanck

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.  

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Advocacy and Campaigning, Communications and Media, Consulting, Purpose and Values, Strategy and Planning Tanck Advocacy and Campaigning, Communications and Media, Consulting, Purpose and Values, Strategy and Planning Tanck

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. 

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