Cara Marshall, ESA Policy & Project Officer

ESA 2022 shortlisted entries Category: Out Standing in the Field: Ecologists in Action  

‘Wattle I do if the bees are gone?’ by Teori Shannin

Ecologists have a crucial role to play in shaping legislation by collaborating with policymakers and providing evidence-based data on ecological matters. Your expertise can serve as a valuable asset to members of Parliament as they draft environmental legislation and policy. Establishing positive working relationships with policymakers not only enhances trust but also supports the development of policies underpinned by evidence. The following steps offer a brief guide to help you navigate engaging with policymakers.

Why might an ecologist contact their local MP?  Some practical examples:

A piece of draft biodiversity legislation is open to public comment and they want their MP to understand how important it is. 

There is an ecological problem in their electorate that needs attention and funding – clearing, environmental water flows, or free-roaming cats, for example. 

The conservation group to which they belong needs political support and funding. 

They’re concerned that the latest government housing policy says nothing about climate change mitigation and native vegetation clearing.

To simply establish a rapport, aiming to be the first point of contact in case of any emerging ecological issues.

          1. Making contact

The first step in engaging with your local MP is to check your electorate and identify your local MP, which you can do via the Australian Electoral Commission website. 

Contacting your MP can take various forms, including face-to-face meetings, emails, letters, or direct phone calls. If you decide to request a meeting, consider the following: 

• MPs and their staff are busy, so schedule appointments in advance.
• Your first meeting may be with an office manager or advisor, which is still valuable.
• Requesting a meeting in writing is preferred; keep your email concise and personalised.

One effective approach might be to extend an invitation for a morning walk in a nearby patch of bush, or on-Country, to show them some of the special natural features within their electorate. Local native planting days can also offer a great chance for an informal yet meaningful meet-and-greet. 

          2. Preparing for a meeting

Before meeting with your MP, it’s helpful to conduct research on their background, political affiliation, and positions on relevant issues. Utilise resources like the Parliament House website, electorate website, and social media profiles to gain insights.

Know the specific reason for your meeting, which could involve providing some evidence-based information on a relevant issue, or simply introducing yourself as a point of contact for ecological information that could support their decision making. You should be clear about what you are asking them to do.

• Concentrate on one or two topics to maintain a focused and productive conversation, but try to focus on building a two-way relationship rather than making demands.
• Combine storytelling with statistics to convey the importance of ecological issues. Prepare a concise one-page document outlining the key issues and recommendations, or you could take along an ESA resource, such as our Ecology101 info sheet.
• Consider teaming up with a colleague or another local ESA member to accompany you for moral support and another perspective.

          3. At the meeting

Arrive on time, dress professionally, and bring relevant documents, such as your one-pager. Be patient and flexible with the meeting’s duration and structure – you might only get half an hour!

Engage with MPs and their staff in a balanced manner, combining facts with passion (personal stories build trust), while avoiding jargon and acronyms. Keep the discussion focused and maintain a positive and respectful demeanour throughout the meeting. Be clear about who you represent.

• Be responsive to questions and concerns, even if they are outside your expertise.
• Share relevant local stories to resonate with your MP’s electoral interests.
• Keep the dialogue open, respectful, and engaging.
• Be friendly, look for mutual personal interests.
• Thank your MP and staff for their time after the meeting.

          4. After the meeting

Following the meeting, send a thank-you email to your MP and/or staff to maintain communication. Include any additional information requested during the meeting and offer further contacts if needed.

If you don’t receive a response within a month, follow up with a polite inquiry. Continue to engage with your MP and provide updates on your research or relevant issues to build trust and a lasting relationship. Finally, engage with candidates from all parties to advocate for ecological issues – don’t underestimate the influence of backbenchers in policymaking.

          5. Utilising social media

In the digital age, social media platforms offer an opportunity to connect directly with MPs and Senators. Use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to engage with your local representatives. Remember to tag your MP and use relevant hashtags to increase visibility.

• Ensure your online presence is respectful and professional.
• Understand that some MPs may have staff members managing their social media.
• Monitor and participate in online campaigns related to ecological issues.

          6. Writing a submission to government

For more structured input into policymaking, consider writing a submission to government inquiries. The following tips might prove useful, but also take a look at some previous ESA submissions to get an idea of format and content.

• Clearly address the terms of reference for the inquiry.
• Keep your submission concise and relevant.
• Introduce yourself, your perspective and your organisation (if relevant). 
• Provide evidence, case studies, or stories to support your arguments.
• Offer recommendations if possible.
• If needed, request confidentiality for your submission.

          7. Attending a public hearing

If you wish to contribute to a committee’s inquiry, attending a public hearing can be an effective way to share your insights and expertise on the subject matter. Public hearings offer a platform for individuals to apply as witnesses and provide oral testimony to the committee. Here are some tips about hearings:

• Public hearings are open to anyone interested in listening or participating. They are often conducted in various locations, including committee rooms in Parliament House (usually in Canberra) or other venues (e.g. town halls). 
• Committees typically select witnesses from written submissions, aiming for diverse representation. If you want to be a witness, mention it in your submission, though only a limited number may be invited due to time constraints.
• If you are appearing as a witness, it’s crucial to prepare your testimony in advance. This ensures that you can effectively communicate your experiences and expertise to the committee within the allotted time frame (typically 30-60 min).
• Be aware that public hearings may be recorded and made publicly available.
• A written transcript, often referred to as ‘Hansard,’ is created during public hearings and is subsequently published on the internet. After your testimony, please remain available for a few minutes in case the transcript preparer needs clarification on any acronyms or technical terms you used. You will also receive a copy of the transcript, allowing you to correct minor typographical errors or provide additional clarifications as needed, which you can do in writing after the hearing.