Advocacy Case Studies

27 Aug Advocacy Case Studies

The number one thing to keep in mind with advocacy is “give it a go”.

Following my tips from previous AusAE articles will help you and your association get the most “bang for your buck” from your advocacy efforts.

Here are 3 simplified examples of successful association advocacy to encourage you along your advocacy path.

If you prefer to watch a video, check out these on-demand webinar in your AusAE member resources:

• “Getting a Seat at Government’s Table Post-Covid hosted by Unravelling Red Tape”
• “How to build an advocacy campaign – Best practices, tips and examples”

I am available to answer your questions anytime and help guide your advocacy efforts. You can contact me here.

Advocacy Case Study 1
It Can Be Done!

We were told that overturning an enacted Budget decision couldn’t be done. Persistence and patience paid off for this association. I have made a short video of this case study here.

Situation
Health professional association

• Federal Government Budget
• Medicare Benefit Scheme Rebates drop by one-third ($100 now becomes $66)
• Consultation issues
• Strong emotions

Actions

• Which are the relevant government department/s?
• Establish cooperative working relationship
• Arguments too good not to pursue
• Logic, not passion

Results

• Department on-side
• Profession appointed to government liaison group
• Next Federal Budget reversed the decision, to align Rebates for this profession with similar professions
• AND – ongoing relationship with the Department means we are now pro-actively proposing changes to the MBS to benefit the profession

Association President:
“We are doctors and specialise in our clinical work. In order to get the best outcomes for our patients and ourselves with the government we need someone such as yourself to help speak their language and frame our information and arguments in a way that helps them understand our perspective and processes.”

Advocacy Case Study 2
Partnering with Government

This association partnered with government to drive better outcomes for the community and association members, kicking government’s own goals.
This example is further discussed at the on-demand webinar in your AusAE member resources. It is called “Getting a Seat at Government’s Table Post-Covid hosted by Unravelling Red Tape”.

Situation
Early Childhood Education and Care (Childcare)

• NSW has the highest cost childcare in the country
• Government approach increased the amount of regulation of the sector, driving costs up for parents and taxpayers
• Access impediments for vulnerable children
• Lack of measured or measurable outcomes
• Regulatory roadblocks and challenges
• “Too hard basket”

Actions

• Which are the relevant government department/s?
• Persistence
• Try different tacks – pilot project / innovation

Results

• NSW government’s 2022-23 Budget based on our proposals ($16 billion for the industry)
• Both major political parties support our proposals

Advocacy Case Study 3
Engaging Association Members

This association’s members and their patients were approaching government themselves, not always in a helpful way. Our goal was to engage association members, make them a valuable part of our advocacy campaign and ensure they know their association is advocating on their behalf.

This example is further discussed at the on-demand webinar in your AusAE member resources. It is called “How to build an advocacy campaign – Best practices, tips and examples”.

Situation
Allied Health

• First round of covid restrictions
• Many allied health practitioners suddenly not allowed to treat clients
• Strong emotions from members, clients

Actions
While dealing with all State and Federal governments:

• Engage with members, to ensure they know their association:
  • understands what they are going through
  • is advocating to government on their behalf
• Advocacy Q & A webinars with members
• Regular updates on website and social media
• “How can I help” section of website for members, to help members:
  • feel engaged
  • “sing from the same hymn sheet”
  • boost the association’s advocacy work

Results

• Increased memberships and membership transfers from other associations
• This allied health profession was adopted as a best practice advocacy model for smaller allied health professional associations
• Increased collaboration with other associations that represent this profession
• Ongoing relationships, to pro-actively work with government going forward