Engaging during the Victorian State Election: a practical guide

With the Victorian state election coming up, it will be one of those moments where political attention is unusually high, particularly after a decade long Labor hold, and decisions are currently still being shaped. For organisations trying to influence policy, effective government engagement requires strategy about how, when, and with whom you engage.

Who actually matters in the conversation

When people think about “talking to politicians,” they usually picture MPs. That’s part of it, but only part.

Real engagement often happens across a wider group, including election candidates, ministerial advisors, and electorate office staff. 

• Candidates are important because they are actively shaping their campaign commitments. 
• Advisors matter because they do much of the policy development work behind the scenes. 
• Electorate office staff are often the day-to-day link between community concerns and parliamentary offices.

If you’re only focusing on one group, you’re probably missing influence points that are just as important.

Making the most of the election window

Elections are when policy platforms take shape, and Victoria is currently in that active window. In plain terms, it’s a short period where parties are forming commitments and deciding what they want to promise voters.

This is when organisations usually put forward “policy asks.” These are clear, specific requests that might involve funding, policy changes, regulatory adjustments, or program expansion.

The strongest policy asks tend to do a few things well. They explain the problem clearly, show how it affects people in the community, and set out a solution that feels realistic rather than aspirational. Evidence helps as well—data, examples, or lived experience that supports the case.

It also helps to ground everything locally. Linking an issue to a specific electorate, especially one that is closely contested, makes it harder to ignore. It shifts the conversation from abstract policy to something that could directly affect voters.

Where possible, collaboration across organisations or sectors can also strengthen the message. A shared position tends to carry more weight than a single voice.

Final thoughts

This Victorian state election offers an uniquely important window to influence policy direction, considering the competitiveness across parties due to the likely shift in government. Engagement is most effective during this time when it’s clear, practical, and connected to real community impact.

Organisations looking for more tailored support on government engagement, advocacy strategy, or navigating the election period, Fifty Acres offers advice and assistance to help you approach it with confidence and clarity.