IN THE DEFENCE OF OUR WORK

Our work as Public Policy Advocates entails a wide range of activities:

  • conducting research on an issue
  • ascertaining the government representatives who will make or recommend decisions
  • conducting private meetings with government decision-makers, especially ministers, on an ad hoc basis
  • attending regular meetings with government, usually in a forum or group setting
  • conducting media campaigns, including advocacy work towards the media and releasing research data
  • making public submissions to enquiries or in response to government calls
  • informing and influencing key members of parliament

The main activities we undertake fall into three main areas: researching the client’s issue, providing advice to the client on a course of action, and directing or conducting advocacy work of government decision-makers.

Our first role in Public Policy Advocacy is one of research. The value for both the Public Policy Advocate and the target of our advocacy work lies in our ability to find out and marshal the facts, figures and policy considerations likely to be of assistance in matching a client’s need with government policy imperatives. Our research work includes our ability to derive a clear understanding of the client’s position.

Whether working for a commercial employer or a non-profit organisation, advising those we represent is a significant aspect of our work. In the case of a member association, this might include providing advice on how to form a coalition on a specific issue and activate members to represent themselves, preparing a client’s executives for meetings with government, and giving general advice about government processes, such as policy cycles, budget cycles and the roles of various government stakeholders.

Some clients, organisations or members may have unrealistic expectations of government. Consequently, advising may include helping to align the client’s goals with the practical realities of government that often entail substantial and routine background research and fact finding. Those of us who work as in-house Public Policy Advocates spend most of their time keeping an eye on the overall political environment and the socio-political environment that is affecting their organisation, including the economic environment. Working as a practitioner in a corporation in that role the Public Policy Advocate is the window in and the window out in terms of how public policy is progressing and how it is affecting the organisation.

As Public Policy Advocates  we often work with clients to package and present our client’s case in a manner that is succinct, persuasive and able to be easily digested by government decision-makers. This may involve preparation of written material. It can also involve our  preparing the client to engage directly with government decision-makers rather than doing so through us. On other occasions, we may be responsible for implementing the strategy by engaging with the decision-maker. A strategy for a community interest group might involve grassroots campaigns consisting of petitions and public meetings. Industry or sectoral interests that are commonly represented by peak bodies, member associations and non-profit interest groups may conduct their communication strategies almost entirely in the public arena if it will garner public support for the policy positions that they intend to put to government. Typically, this involves responding to government requests for information either by public announcement, consultation draft of legislation or by selective invitation for comment.

As Public Policy Advocates our ability to present difficult or complex issues in a comprehensible way is clearly important and helpful to both the client and the government.

As Public Policy Advocates we concentrate on those whom we believe are most are most likely to be able to affect the desired outcome. Public officials prefer to deal with professional Public Policy Advocates because they are well acquainted with government procedures, are able to present arguments succinctly, and understand  the practical realities of what government can and cannot do.

Our work in Public Policy Advocacy is often thought of as simply “door opening” or gaining access to a decision-maker but while having access or being able to obtain access might be necessary,  it is not enough to achieve a successful outcome. Most clients are capable of opening their own doors in government but retain a Public Policy Advocate to provide advice on the most efficient way to engage government once inside that door.

Public Policy Advocates add nothing of value to the decision-making of government unless they present a case that is well argued and information that is useful to government. Effective Public Policy Advocates  need both established relationships to facilitate access and a well prepared case to put to government. There seems little point in developing a very good message if that message doesn’t get through to the decision-maker.

Public Policy Advocates with good reputations can prevent clients from engaging in deceptive behaviour or making unrealistic or exaggerated claims. Any form of dishonest or deceptive advocacy behaviour by Public Policy Advocates would be extremely damaging to the reputation of their business. While such behaviour might assist a particular client, it has the potential to jeopardise the credibility of the entire business and should not occur. The reality of our work is that it has to be professional, and conducted with integrity.

The value of the able and experienced Public Policy Advocate is to endeavour to match reasonable client needs with government policy and need. The Public Policy Advocate may moderate client expectations and persuade government to exercise discretion favourably.

When Public Policy Advocacy is done well it can be of value not only to the client but also to government . The vast majority of complaints about Public Policy Advocacy is not in relation to the existence of Public Policy Advocacy but when it conducted behind closed doors, in a covert non-transparent way.

 

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