Fact Sheet 6
Working with the Queensland Government on public policy
Public policy is the way that governments show their intentions and actions on issues that will
affect the general public. It can be applied to specific areas such as social policy, economic policy,
and environmental policy. Individuals and communities most commonly work with the Queensland
Government through different types of community engagement (see Fact Sheet 4, What is
community engagement? and Fact Sheet 5, Different ways to engage with the Queensland
Government).
Policies are the outcome of research, discussion and debate, often involving a range of political
and public officials. Policy development is a process whereby government policies are determined
and given specific directions. Problems receive attention when they are urgent but tend to fade
away when a new set of important issues emerge.
An important way in which you can influence the Queensland Government is through participating
in policy development activities of government. To influence public policy you need to be able to:

show the government that particular problems and issues you are concerned about are
relevant

understand who the decision makers are around the problems and issues you are
concerned about

understand that the Queensland Government is asked to develop policy on many topics
and must decide which issues are the most important.
It is important that individuals and communities spend time working with the Queensland
Government and its departments so that their views and opinions can be heard and taken into
consideration.
It is therefore important to identify which government departments are involved in policy work that
is of interest to you.
Some of the ways to participate in the policy development processes of the Queensland
Government are:

taking part in consultations on policy

presenting your views and opinions to relevant government departments

discussing your concerns and suggestions with Queensland Government policy officers

submitting information when requested by government

participating on government committees when possible

meeting with public servants to inform them about a particular issue

visiting your local Member of Parliament (MP) to inform them of a personal or community
issue
Office for Volunteering, Community and Regional Services
Post GPO Box 806, Brisbane QLD 4000
Phone 07 3224 5602 Fax 07 3008 8596
Email Volunteering@communities.qld.gov.au Web www.communities.qld.gov.au

taking part in government surveys

making sure others in the community are aware of your issues

undertaking research and presenting your findings to government

proposing solutions to problems and arguing how and why they are cost effective

meeting with Ministers to consider particular areas of concern related to their portfolio.
Further information:
The government may take more notice of the issues you are raising if you are part of a group or
collection of groups or organisations, as this indicates that your concerns are shared by many
people. There are a range of advocacy groups you may want to join. You can find out about these
from the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland, the peak body for migrants and refugees.
For more information phone  07 3844 9166 or go to www.eccq.com.au
The following five tips could be useful to help you work with the Queensland Government on issues
of concern to you and your community. These tips have been put together by the Queensland
Government, multicultural community members and representatives of multicultural community
organisations.
1.
Talk with the Queensland Government officers you are dealing with about how you can
best work together. This involves making clear what the best ways are to engage with
you and your community.
2.
Do not be discouraged by obstacles. Presenting your issues takes time especially when
they are complicated. You will need to be patient and persistent but always remember
that your opinions and views are valued – in Australia’s democracy everyone’s voice
has a right to be heard.
3.
Queensland Government officers and politicians are open to hearing about your views
and issues. The government receives many requests to prioritise issues, so it can be
helpful to demonstrate that your views and issues are supported by a number of people.
4.
To influence government at the local, state and federal levels you might try developing
partnerships and good working relationships with other community groups. By working
in partnership with others you can share ideas and share the work needed to change
things for the better.
5.
If you are dealing with government officers and politicians, share any information with
your community about what worked well and what most influenced them. By talking to
other migrants to Queensland and community groups you will get a good idea of how
things work.
This fact sheet has been produced as part of a series: Engaging Queenslanders: An information kit for culturally and
linguistically diverse communities
Office for Volunteering, Community and Regional Services
Post GPO Box 806, Brisbane QLD 4000
Phone 07 3224 5602 Fax 07 3008 8596
Email Volunteering@communities.qld.gov.au Web www.communities.qld.gov.au
Aug 2008