How your organisation can win at an election, regardless of the outcome

Victoria goes to the polls on 28 November, and New South Wales follows in March 2027. Victoria has had a Labor government since 2014, but recent polling suggests a tight contest in November.

Regardless of who wins, an election resets the political landscape and gives parties a chance to reconsider which issues matter. For advocacy organisations, that creates opportunities on both sides of the aisle.

The opportunity

Elections are when parties decide which issues matter to them, release their policy platforms, and announce major government investments. For impact organisations, that makes the election period a great time to put community needs, human rights and sector priorities directly onto the political agenda.

Engagement before, during and after the election

Successful government engagement around elections is based on timing. Each phase of the election cycle calls for a different approach to government engagement:

Before the election: engage with the parties to inform policy positioning (six months out)

• Early in the election cycle the major parties are unlikely to have settled on a policy platform and messaging, so engage across the political spectrum to build support for your issue. Don’t take the risk of putting all your eggs in one basket, most parties share common ground on certain issues which are worth exploring. The main conflict between parties often arises from prioritisation of one issue over another. Providing evidence to support prioritisation is where your advocacy can have the greatest impact and shift the policy window. Even a party that appears opposed to your cause may have common ground worth exploring.
• When engaging with parties, it’s important to demonstrate who in the community your issue affects. Parties seeking to form government want to know how commitments to support your organisation might translate into public support for their party and success at the election. If you haven’t already, it’s time to make the parties aware of your organisation and the impact it has on the local community.
• Tailor your pitch to the party you are engaging with and frame your issue around their needs. When engaging the government, position your organisation as a capable partner. When engaging the opposition, position your organisation as the solution to an ongoing policy problem.

During the election: seek collaboration in the months leading up to election day

• Once the campaign is underway, provide candidates with talking points backed by evidence that highlight the issues your organisation is addressing and show the impact of your organisation in the community. Position your organisation as a partner by providing practical policy proposals, not just problems.
• Take advantage of backbench and crossbench candidates, they are unburdened by portfolio assignments and often passionate advocates for their communities. They can be some of your most effective allies in shifting the needle on policy proposals, so engage them as seriously as you engage party leaders to build momentum behind your issue.
• Seek specific commitments from the parties you have been engaging with. Demonstrate the impact of making a commitment on their electoral success by reinforcing the importance of the issue you’re addressing. Where it suits your organisation, make yourself available for media and photo opportunities which help cement those commitments.

After the election: follow-up on commitments and brief government

• Brief incoming members of parliament, including the minister responsible for your area of expertise and follow-up on commitments made during the campaign. Establish a government engagement strategy built around long-term relationship-building, the new government will be in place for years, so make sure it knows who you are.
• If the new government is opposed to your issue, build relationships with the opposition and crossbench. Opposition members of parliament have fewer formal constraints and fewer governing responsibilities, which can make them more willing and better placed to advocate on your behalf.

If there is a change in government, don’t worry

For the outgoing government, moving into opposition frees a party from many of the constraints of office. Build relationships with the opposition to hold the new government to account and equip politicians with the information and talking points they need to champion your issue.

For the incoming government, entering power will likely mean the opportunity to effect change. Ensure your advocacy is aligned to get the most out of these changes, or to mitigate negative changes which impact your organisation. If you engaged early to build relationships in the lead-up to the election now is the time to seek action on commitments. If you didn’t engage early, it’s not too late to start.

How we can help

Fifty Acres works with impact organisations to turn election cycles into policy outcomes, from mapping the political landscape and building evidence to briefing ministers and securing commitments. Reach out to us to discuss how we can support your organisation before, during and after the election.