Building influence with new MPs
“You get taught how to be a Parliamentarian but no one teaches you how to be an MP”.
It’s a pretty common phrase spoken by members of parliament, not long after they get their feet under the desk at Parliament House. They’ve spent months – or, in many cases, years – campaigning and building support to get elected, only to realise that they’re now largely on their own.
Sure, those in the major parties, may be fortunate enough to have party structures and trusted colleagues they can turn to —but those senior figures are busy and under pressure too ,and they don’t necessarily understand what’s going on in another MP’s community or focus area.
That’s where you come in.
New MPs are ripe to be influenced. They want to be. In fact, they need to be influenced to be effective representatives —because to represent effectively you need to listen to the people that you represent. You, in the for-purpose sector, can position yourselves as the go-to voice for the under-represented.
The 2025 Federal Election resulted in new MPs from all sides of politics and from all walks of life. Some may be naïve to politics, and you’ll be able to find common ground as you navigate the system together. Others will have spent years working as a staffer or in the party structures and understand the importance of engagement.
Regardless of their backgrounds, you’re starting from a good base here. Veteran MPs will likely have a close-knit group of organisations that they lean on for advice, or to better understand issues that impact their cohorts—but new MPs don’t have that yet. You won’t be competing against established voices, instead getting a chance to start fresh and assert your organisation as the go-to.
But to do so, you need to get your foot in the door, which often at times seems harder than it actually is.
So, first thing’s first: think about who you are. What does your organisation do? What do you want to achieve? How can you support government?
Then, think about who you should speak to. Are there any new MPs in your area? If so, utilise postcode data to illustrate your impact and influence in their area. Or maybe a new MP has lived experience in the work that you do—for example: new MPs with multicultural backgrounds, f you’re in that sector, or those living with disabilities, if you work in that space. Map out how your views and values align so that you can connect with them.
Next, consider what you should talk about. Note that this isn’t ‘what you want to talk about’, because you need to also consider the WIFM (the ‘what’s in it for me?’). Overlay what you want to talk about with why it’s important to the MP you’re seeking to engage with, and you’ll be far more likely to get a response.
Finally, engage! The hardest part of engagement is getting started, but all it takes is a letter. Fire off a brief congratulatory letter that introduces your organisation to new MPs and, who knows, maybe it will be the first step in building a relationship with a future Prime Minister.
Written by:
Rory Parker and Neil Pharaoh | Tanck – Government Engagement
