Former federal small business minister and current chair of the Franchise Council of Australia Bruce Billson says the most effective submissions, when lobbying the government, are based on facts and a proposed solution as opposed to simply highlighting a problem.
“As a more than 20-year veteran of public policy and political representation and also the great honour of being a cabinet minister, the most asked question that policymakers have in their head when someone approaches them is, ‘What actually is it you’d like me to do?’,” Mr Billson says.
“Now, if someone’s got a problem where they’re frustrated or perhaps … a grievance about something that’s happening in the law or the way in which regulators and government agencies are operating, it’s good to highlight that and to ventilate that concern.
“But the next thing is equally important, and that is to think about, ‘What positive action step am I asking my representatives or my peak industry body or my accountant to consider taking on my behalf?’.”
Mr Billson said arguments that are well-researched and have a proven track record of working have a higher chance of being implemented into policy.
“Field evidence … is just gold and is so crucial to good policy work,” he said.
“Never underestimate the persuasiveness of a well-considered argument or a point of view, and how policymakers, whether they be government bureaucrats, regulators, or members of parliament, really value that kind of constructive engagement.
“It’s driven by a clear sense of what a better outcome looks like, but is informed by well-considered argument and facts, that give people the tools they need to make the case for change.”
