Taking Government Engagement to the Next Level: Advanced Advocacy with Neil Pharaoh

Neil Pharaoh

The world is changing quickly, and political engagement is more important than ever. Organisations need to have government engagement skills, that is certain, but they also require knowing how to transform that engagement to real advocacy power to make things happen.

Political strategist Neil Pharaoh will build on the foundations of the Government Engagement Strategy 101 workshop in an advanced session that will give participants invaluable insights and knowledge to run effective campaigns.

Neil said the Government Engagement 102 workshop will canvass into the strategy, tactics, and frameworks needed to run effective campaigns and advocacy efforts that cut through with decision-makers.

“It’s the first battle won by knowing who to call, but that’s not everything and it’s not where your advocacy ends. It’s actually just the beginning,” Neil said.

What is absolutely critical is being able to take your government engagement to the next level by designing and delivering campaigns that not only match your organisations’ needs and aspirations but fit with government priorities. It’s only then that real change will occur.

“Successful and effective advocacy will help shape policy conversations, and build sustained influence,” Neil said.

Throughout the workshop, Neil will break down the campaign mindset into clear, practical steps, with one goal in mind – helping you move from ad-hoc engagement to structured, impactful advocacy.

He’ll do this by drawing on his extensive experience leading social sector organisations through complex political landscapes and will unpack what makes a campaign succeed – from leveraging assets and networks, to framing problems and solutions, to knowing when and how to influence elections and policy. Neil will also explain how to define a campaign and set clear goals for everything from funding aspirations to policy changes and shifting perceptions.

The session will delve into why psychometric campaigning and data insights matter, and how the for purpose sector can use them successfully without big-budget lobbying.

Neil will share the five key stakeholder groups every campaign must engage – some are obvious, but others are less so – but every one of them is a vital step in your advocacy journey.

He will outline how to build your campaign framework, which includes, strategy, research, tactics, and policy alignment and turn problems into solutions. “We’ll do this by reframing technical, political, and media challenges into actionable government options,” Neil said.

Neil has had extraordinary results that have literally changed laws and delivered funding wins worth tens of millions of dollars by following this method.

The electoral cycle is ongoing and many organisations are national, state and territory elections are as influential as federal elections, so election readiness is important. The workshop will shed light on what assets and engagement are needed to maximise your influence come election time.

Finally, you’ll get a guide how to measure to measure success and know when you’ve “won.”

“By the end of the session, you will have tools and strategies to run your own government relations campaign with confidence and purpose,” Neil said.

Join us on Thursday, 6th November in Sydney for Neil Pharaoh’s Government Engagement 102 Keynote — and discover how to turn government engagement into real advocacy impact. Find out more here.

Australia’s for-purpose sector has great potential but is held back by underfunding and a focus on short-term outcomes. To drive real change, we need to invest in leadership, collaboration, and long-term initiatives. The federal push to double philanthropic giving by 2030 is a step forward, but we must go further by funding the full cost of change, supporting long-term projects, and embracing innovation. By modernizing partnerships and investing in proven solutions, we can build a more resilient and impactful sector for a fairer Australia.

READ MORE HERE

This article highlights the critical issue of underfunding indirect costs in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector, which hampers organisations’ ability to operate effectively and deliver long-term impact. The article emphasises the need for NFP leaders to advocate for full-cost funding, including both direct and indirect expenses, to ensure their organisations can thrive and create meaningful change.

READ MORE HERE

The latest ACNC report shows significant growth in Australia’s charity sector, with revenue reaching a record high of $222 billion, up 10.7%, and sector employment increasing by over 70,000 to 1.54 million, representing 10.7% of the workforce. Staff costs accounted for 55% of total expenses, reflecting increased demand for services due to cost of living pressures.  Large charities saw the most significant growth, with a 14.2% revenue increase, while extra small charities struggled, relying more on donations.  However, challenges remain in addressing sector disparities and funding gaps. READ MORE HERE

A survey by the Community Council for Australia shows strong public support for increased charity sector funding and resources, with 92% of respondents calling for more staff and volunteers.

The survey highlights concerns over underfunding, rising costs, and red tape, with 91% wanting charities involved in government policy. Despite charities contributing significantly to the economy, the sector lacks government support. Voters in marginal electorates are more likely to back candidates who prioritize charity-focused policies.

READ MORE HERE