Multicultural
Development
Association
Advocacy and Social
Policy Unit
Achieving Positive Change:
Advocacy, Policy and
Effective Submission Writing
CAMS Gathering 1 November
2010
What is Advocacy?

Action to protect, promote and defend the rights
and interests of an individual, group or community

Involves speaking, acting, writing, communicating,
arguing persuasively in the interests of another

Directed to achieving better outcomes, bringing
about change or maintaining the status quo

Many types of advocacy – self, individual, citizens,
health, family, systemic
Individual vs. Systemic Advocacy

Individual Advocacy:
Speaking, acting or writing with minimal conflict of interest
on behalf of the interests of an individual to promote,
protect and defend his/her welfare, justice and wellbeing
(adapted from definition of Dr Wolf Wolfensberger, Academic)

Systemic Advocacy:
‘... influencing and changing the system in ways that will
benefit ... a group within society (or the broader
community). Systems advocates ... encourage (and
influence) changes to the law, government and service
policies and community attitudes’
(from Queensland Parents for People with a Disability)
What does MDA’s Advocacy Unit do?
Works with and informs government (and other decision
makers) about changes required to improve services or
systems for people from culturally and linguistically diverse
backgrounds, especially refugees.
Key advocacy priorities include:
Employment and Training
Education
Child Protection
African Australian issues
Domestic Violence
Access to interpreters
Police and justice
Youth issues
The Advocacy Strategy
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A well-developed
strategy is crucial to
successful advocacy
Key steps in developing
a strategy:
Identify the issue/s
Research and consultation
Objectives and outcomes
sought
Advocacy targets
Allies and foe
Strategies and tools
Review, analyse and
evaluate
Advocacy methods
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Written communication
Oral communication
Engagement
Legal avenues
Media and promotion
Campaigning/activism
Writing effective submissions
 Before
1.
you start writing, consider:
What type of submission it is i.e. policy, funding,
advocacy, or a response to an inquiry?
2.
Are there Terms of Reference, guidelines or other
parameters?
3.
Who is your audience?
4.
Who are you writing on behalf of?
 Research,
research, research!!!!!
Research

Standard sources: databases, journal articles, publications, media,
annual reports, statistics websites, etc

Find out if the issue is currently or has recently been a topic of interest
on the political or socio-economic agenda i.e. Government inquiries,
academic studies and publications, independent statutory bodies,
etc

Is there relevant law or policy i.e. legislation and case law,
international conventions, policies, guidelines and practices?

Consultation and community engagement – obtain relevant
individuals’, stake holders’ and communities’ perspectives

What current programs, initiatives and strategies exist to address the
issue/s, and are they effective?

Other jurisdictions – Australian States/Territories and internationally
Structure of your submission
Before you begin, devise a plan/mud map of what your
submission will look like
1.
Covering page: title, name of inquiry or consultation (if
relevant), title of your submission and date. Use formal letter
head.
2.
Introduction: Executive summary of recommendations
(optional – useful for lengthy submissions). Paragraphs
detailing:

Who you/your organisation are and what you do

Your interest – why are you writing the submission/responding to the
inquiry? Welcome the opportunity to respond

What the submission will and will not address

Whether you endorse other organisations’ submissions, and/or who
endorses your submission

A strong statement about your position on the issue/s

Summarise the key issues the submission will address
Structure of your submission
3.
Body:

Present the issues and problems, information/facts or arguments,
supported by relevant evidence (including case studies)

One issue/point per paragraph, unless issues are closely related

Discuss relevant research, law, statistics, financial estimates, etc.
Mention relevant political and socio-economic agendas, initiatives or
programs i.e. social inclusion agenda

Discuss effective laws, policies, initiatives and programs operating in
other States/Territories or internationally.

Graphs and diagrams are useful. Case studies are essential.

Discuss what needs to be done, reformed or altered - legislation,
policy, procedures, guidelines, introduction of new programs, etc.
Make recommendations and/or offer suggestions for solutions
Structure of your submission
4. Conclusion:
• Brief summary of submission: include a strong statement of your
position on the issue/s
• List and reinforce your recommendations for reforms and
improvements
Handy hints
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Plain English! Be persuasive
Avoid emotive language – maintain your
credibility
Reference your research
Ensure your information is accurate
Clear headings and paragraphs
Proof read and grammar check
Page numbering
Use examples and case studies –
evidence, evidence, evidence!
Spread the word
Don’t leave it on the shelf to gather dust!