Why should ASU members lobby politicians?

Lobbying politicians is a very good way of conveying members' concerns to a person of influence who may be in an immediate position to help.

Lobbying politicians can:

• Influence a decision that is about to be made by Parliament.
• Gain the support of policy makers and force consultation on an issue.
• Encourage politicians to make a stand in support of a particular campaign.
• Keep the profile of the ASU and our issues high amongst politicians.
• Make politicians aware of the ASU and our key campaigns.

Lobbying politicians can be an important part of our campaigning strategy, which also includes workplace organising, community alliance-building, liaison with the media, and protest / direct action.

Lobbying generally involves some form of contact with Government Ministers, Opposition Shadow Ministers, Federal MPs and / or Senators, State MPs or local Councillors. This can take the form of:

• Petitioning Parliament.
• Sending a mass postcard, email, or letter, with your full address so that they know you live in their electorate.
• Writing a personal letter.
• Speaking with an electorate officer or adviser over the telephone.
• Meeting with an electorate officer or advisor, with follow-up.
• Meeting with the politician in his or her office, with follow-up.
• Meeting with the politician in his or her office in Parliament or Council, with follow-up.

Effective lobbying requires careful thought, preparation and follow-up. You should be clear about the issues you want to raise, and what you want the politicians to actually do for you. Some of the things you may ask a politician to do include:

• Add their name to your cause to raise the profile.
• Approach other politicians on your behalf.
• Speak up for your cause in the relevant assembly - the council chamber, Federal House of Representatives, Federal Senate, or the Queensland Parliament.
• Raise your issue in a forum where they have a particular interest. Politicians can be members of parliamentary groups or committees which have a role in influencing the area of policy you are concerned with.
• Help get your messages in the media.
• MPs can create interest by using parliamentary devices such as a Parliamentary Question, an Adjournment Debate, or making speeches.
• Council leaders can change the council's spending priorities or services.
• Ministers can instigate changes in the law.