Fifty Acres, Author at Fifty Acres - Page 2 of 8

Strategic communications in 2026: What Has Changed — and What Still Works

Strategic communications in 2026 will look very different from last year. It is no longer just about pushing a message; it is about navigating systems and designing processes that listen, learn, and respond. The biggest shift of the past year is not just new platforms or formats, but how communication functions are being built around […]

Government Engagement Blog: Importance of lived experience – how to translate stories into policy action

Lived experience has become one of the most powerful currencies in government engagement. Ministers reference it in speeches. Departments seek it out in consultations. Parliamentary inquiries increasingly ask for it by name. However, lived experience on its own does not change policy. Stories move hearts, not systems. To create real impact, lived experience must be […]

Do you know who your stakeholders are?

Many make the fatal error of assuming who their stakeholders are, reaching out to the same stakeholders they have contacted since the organisation was established, or assuming how their stakeholders want to be contacted. With any communication strategies, in stakeholder engagement, it is important to regularly gain a realistic perspective of who your stakeholders […]

The untapped power of backbenchers: why they quietly shape government decisions

When organisations think about government engagement, the instinct is almost universal: aim high. Ministers. Shadow Ministers. Committee Chairs. The people with titles that sound decisive. However, much of the real influence in government doesn’t sit at the Cabinet table. It sits one row back. Often underestimated and frequently overlooked, backbenchers play a far more important […]

How to audit your communications in the new year

New-year planning often jumps straight to what’s next — new campaigns, new messaging and new priorities. What’s frequently missed is pausing to reflect on what worked in the last year, what didn’t, and how the world around us has changed. Before rolling into another year of activity, an audit provides clarity, confidence and a much […]

Proposed Parliamentary Sittings 2026

Please refer to the above for the proposed federal parliamentary sittings calendar for 2026, which has just been tabled this afternoon by the leader of the House of Representatives, Tony Burke. While it’s still technically subject to change, based on previous years, it is unlikely to be altered — so it’s a good early indicator […]

What Happens After You Hit ‘Submit’?

Understanding the pathway of pre-budget submissions For many organisations, lodging a pre-budget submission feels like the final step in a long process. In practice, it is only the starting point for a complex sequence of internal assessments across Treasury, departments and ministerial offices. Having a realistic sense of what happens next can help organisations design […]

Socialising your submission with the right stakeholders: How communications can support and amplify a budget submission after it’s been lodged

Every year, organisations across Australia pour enormous effort into preparing their federal budget submissions — gathering evidence, crafting recommendations, and aligning their proposals with government priorities. But once the submission is lodged, many assume the work is done. In reality, this is when the real communications effort begins. A well-crafted budget submission is only effective […]

What I Learned About Purpose-Driven Communications During My Internship at Fifty Acres

This internship with Fifty Acres has been an incredible opportunity to grow as a communications professional. Before joining the agency, I had experience in communications through an in-house internship. Most of my work involved writing media releases, monitoring coverage, and attending press conferences for government projects. It taught me accuracy and navigating formal language, and […]

Beyond Sitting Weeks: How to Use the Full Parliamentary Calendar to Maximise Your Advocacy

When it comes to government engagement, timing is everything. But sitting weeks – when Parliament meets to debate legislation and make key decisions – are only one part of the picture. To truly influence policy and funding, organisations need to think beyond the bustle of Canberra sitting days. From the Federal Budget cycle to Senate […]

How to Spot Risks Before They Escalate With Media Monitoring

A single social media post, an under-the-radar online discussion, or a minor news mention can escalate into a significant reputational issue if not addressed early. Media monitoring allows organisations to systematically monitor trends, sentiment, and stakeholder conversations to identify potential risks before they develop into a crisis. For example, a minor conversation in an online […]

Timing your advocacy: Why parliamentary sitting weeks matter, and tips to align them with your engagement strategy.

When it comes to government engagement, timing is everything. A strong advocacy message can easily be overlooked if it reaches decision-makers at the wrong moment. To influence policy effectively, organisations need to understand not just what to say, but when to say it. That’s where the rhythm of parliamentary calendars becomes essential. What are sitting […]