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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I was in Canberra last week, and it was insane…
Last week, Neil Pharaoh was in Canberra for a number of work meetings and stumbled across the “Convoy to Canberra” protests, which made for an interesting few days in the national capital. This week, he asks what impact all this will have on the election in 2022?
We need to build movements, not create more barriers.
The old adage that you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar is never more correct than in the era of growing “cancel” culture. Remember, movements are created with open arms, not closed views.
Australia’s COVID response could be undermining democracy. Why is civil society staying silent?
The social sector needs to find the will to drive politicians to deliver funding and policy decisions that will lead us to build back better, write Neil Pharaoh and Angus Crowther.
Is Australia’s social purpose sector “too self-righteous”?
We need to be less self-righteous about our own viewpoints. Connect with people who disagree, and share empathetic discussions with those who have different views.
What makes people care?
The social purpose sector works in often very difficult and complex spaces. But as humans, we understand stories over divisive language, and imagery over facts. How can we effectively use these principles in advocacy?
Why is sexual harassment in politics so endemic and how do I navigate it?
Neil considers how centralised power, isolation from reality and the creation of a political class have created an environment of harassment in politics, and impacted wider social policy.
Why is government ‘consultation’ so poor in Australia and what can we do about it?
Neil compares Australia’s two versions of consultation with the system in New Zealand, and shares some advice on how community organisations can amplify their voice.
Are we outsourcing social policy to Royal Commissions?
For the social purpose sector, available opportunities to influence and guide the process of a royal commission are much narrower than in broader public advocacy. Neil shares his social purpose organisation royal commission checklist.
What 2021 will bring for government engagement
Five predictions for social purpose engagement and advocacy for the coming year.