EO Planning Forum Government Relations

Raoul Wainwright

Agenda

• Context• Government relations overview• Looking forward• Checklist

Objectives

• Enhance engagement with the Victorian Government• Develop strategies for this point of the

political cycle• Aligning those strategies with your

ongoing advocacy and government relations work

2014 Victorian Election – An Overview

Legislative Assembly;Labor -

Liberal/National -

Legislative CouncilLabor –

Liberal/National -

Expect a more activist Parliament;

InquiriesCommittees

Private Member’s Bills

Good swing to Labor, but primary

vote still low.

Relationship with the Opposition will remain important.

Legacy

ALP PlatformLabor acknowledges the outstanding work of previous Labor Governments in developing and introducing the National Disability Insurance Scheme. This is a once-in-a-generation change to ensure people with a disability are accorded the dignity, lifestyle choices and human rights protections that many Victorians take for granted. • Labor will: • Properly fund the legal aid civil jurisdiction – this section provides much needed representation for

those with disabilities and/or mental illness or impairment, in regards to their financial and personal independence

• Address the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission’s review of guardianship to ensure laws are modern and responsive to community needs

• Manage the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in an equitable and fair manner

• Expand the jurisdiction of the Disability Services Commissioner • Strengthen and promote the Community Visitors Program • Work with the Commonwealth Government to ensure that Victorian safeguards such as the

Community Visitors Program and the Disability Services Commissioner are incorporated into the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme

• Address the findings of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission report on the relinquishment of children with a disability into State care.

Important ProcessesYooralla Inquiry, terms of reference

and conduct of the Inquiry, including hearings.

Victorian Budget, May 5 2015.Transition to NDIS.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

General Observations on Engagement

• Government can never be reliant on one stream of advice

• You know your sector and the emerging trends within it better than the major parties ever will

• There is an opportunity to engage with the major parties to inform them on how this may impact on their policy development, how they can spend their budgets more effectively and how you can give effect to their overarching policy objectives

Government relations is a conversation

• Who with?• What about?• To what end?

What do you say about yourself?

• Goals • Relationships• Achievements

Is it better to work together?

Is it better to work together?

CASE STUDYPrepare a submission for a Parliamentary Inquiry• Demonstrate the vital nature of advocacy services• Call for recommendations to embed provisions for advocacy in the

NDIS

Seek to give evidence at Inquiry Hearings• This is by invitation by the Committee• May give evidence in your own right or together with others, such

as VCOSS

Attend the Inquiry Hearings• Opportunities to build relationships• Opportunities for informal discussions with pollies, public servants

and media.

TOOLS

Test Cases

Talking about footy

Community Campaigns

Parliamentary Processes

Government Stakeholder Committees

Some Lessons•Explore values•Genuine, ongoing dialogue•Create a clear context•Put engagement before agreement

Checklist

Identify your objectives

Pursue simultaneous strategies with all parties

Ensure organisational buy-in

Pursue one-on-one discussions

Be positive

Listen

Be flexible but not on those things you can’t live without

THANKS

Any questions?