The federal election is almost here. What comes next?
The federal election campaign is nearly done: early voting has started. Have you missed the boat for pre-election commitments? We assess next steps for social sector organisations.
By Neil Pharaoh + Rory Parker
Reading the results of Pro Bono News’ election poll it became pretty clear that much of the sector is sitting back, fingers crossed, hoping that they’ll get what they want. We’d all like that to be the case: it just isn’t how it works.
It’s disheartening that, for a sector so reliant on working with government, only 43 per cent of survey respondents were planning an election strategy, despite 94 per cent wanting greater political engagement with their issues. It goes without saying: politicians need to know what you want, in order to give you what you want. Of that 43 per cent with election strategies, we could dig a little deeper to question how many of these plans encouraged broad engagement long before the election was called.
It comes as no surprise that incumbent MPs – and candidates challenging them – are busy people. When an election is called, they’re even busier. You’d have seen them out-and-about, at train stations in the morning, door-knocking in the afternoon, and making phone calls into the night. And even now, they’ll be standing at early voting booths waving around how to vote cards. Despite their best efforts, when they’re bound to stand at pre-poll centres, there’s just not enough time in the day to meet with organisations and hear their asks.
So, what should social sector organisations be doing now?
Well, for this federal election, it’s now all about being prepared for what comes next. While you may have somewhat missed the boat for pre-election commitments, you’ve got an opportunity here to set the direction for this term of government by readying yourself to engage immediately after polls are called. If your organisation was one of the 57 per cent without an election strategy, you should seek to be one of the few to be prepared in advance with a “first 100 days strategy”.
Despite the polls currently leaning towards Labor, keep in mind that the same could be said at this time in the last election so it’s important to be ready for any outcome. Prepare a red and blue book – that is, a collection of policies, announceables, and briefings targeted to either side of politics – which you can roll out with ease post-election.
Map where your organisation exists, and who your target backbenchers and (potential) ministers will be. Identify what’s important to them so that you can frame your messaging in a way that they’ll connect with.
Ready yourself to proactively write to new MPs, to introduce your organisation and brief them on the status of your sector. Welcome positive commitments from the incoming government and position your organisation to help ensure their success.
And, importantly, keep in mind that politics is a cycle. Whilst you may be a little late in the game to engage this federal election, look ahead to what comes next and prepare your timelines. What do you want at MYEFO, in next year’s budget, or even at the next election? Yesterday was the best day to start preparing yourself. Today’s the next best.
This article first appeared at Pro Bono Australia as part of Tanck's fortnightly column, Happenings on the Hill.
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