Lend your voice
QCOSS’ 2016/17 Pre-Budget
Submission Advocacy Kit
January 2016
About QCOSS
The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) is the state-wide peak
body for individuals and organisations working in the social and community
service sector.
For more than 50 years, QCOSS has been a leading force for social change
to build social and economic wellbeing for all. With almost 600 members,
QCOSS supports a strong community service sector.
QCOSS, together with our members continues to play a crucial lobbying and
advocacy role in a broad number of areas including:
sector capacity building and support
homelessness and housing issues
early intervention and prevention
cost of living pressures including low income energy concessions and
improved consumer protections in the electricity, gas and water markets
energy efficiency support for culturally and linguistically diverse people
early childhood support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally
and linguistically diverse peoples.
QCOSS is part of the national network of Councils of Social Service lending
support and gaining essential insight to national and other state issues.
QCOSS is supported by the vice-regal patronage of His Excellency the
Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland.
Lend your voice and your organisation’s voice to this vision by joining
QCOSS. To join visit the QCOSS website (www.QCOSS.org.au).
ISBN – 978-1-876025-79-3
© 2016 Queensland Council of Social Service Ltd. This publication is
copyright. Non-profit groups have permission to reproduce part of this book as
long as the original meaning is retained and proper credit is given to the
Queensland Council of Social Service. All other persons and organisations
wanting to reproduce material from this book should obtain permission from
the publishers.
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Table of contents
About QCOSS.................................................................................................. 2
Table of contents ............................................................................................. 3
Advocacy Kit .................................................................................................... 4
Summary of actions from QCOSS 2016/17 Pre-Budget Submission ............... 5
Community resilience .................................................................................... 5
Regional Queensland focus .......................................................................... 6
Cost of living ................................................................................................. 6
Housing and homelessness .......................................................................... 7
Financial resilience ....................................................................................... 7
Meeting with your local Member of Parliament ................................................ 8
Arrange a meeting ........................................................................................ 8
Be prepared .................................................................................................. 8
Key messages .............................................................................................. 8
Talk from the heart ........................................................................................ 8
Keep in mind the big picture.......................................................................... 9
Suggested outline for your meeting .............................................................. 9
The power of personal stories .......................................................................... 9
Writing to your local member ......................................................................... 10
Keep it short ................................................................................................ 10
Use of salutation and address..................................................................... 10
Explain your organisation ............................................................................ 10
Be positive .................................................................................................. 10
Establish yourself as a resource ................................................................. 10
Call for action .............................................................................................. 10
Sample letter or email requesting a meeting with a local Member of
Parliament ...................................................................................................... 11
Contacting your local media ........................................................................... 12
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Advocacy Kit
The Queensland Government’s state budget will be handed down in June
2016. Now is the time to call on the government to acknowledge the many
issues surrounding poverty and disadvantage in Queensland and to address
our shared concerns and call for action firmly on the agenda.
Based on our research, conversations with our members, and the current
economic and political environment, QCOSS has delivered its 2016/17 PreBudget Submission to the Queensland Government clearly outlining a number
of actions the government will need to take in order to achieve long-term
wellbeing for all Queenslanders, but particularly those experiencing poverty
and disadvantage.
You can be part of the campaign for change by meeting with your local
Member of State Parliament, or by contacting your local media outlets, to
raise awareness about the issues that are important to you and your
organisation and how the government can best respond as part of its budget
deliberations.
We believe that the voices of our members – and the broader community
services sector – are crucial in the pursuit of improving the lives of
disadvantaged Queenslanders.
We invite members to participate and advocate for Queenslanders
experiencing disadvantage by drawing attention to the issues raised in our
2016/17 Pre-Budget Submission and encouraging the Queensland
Government to commit to the actions presented in this paper.
Individual advocacy is important, but when we work together on a united issue
we amplify each other’s voices.
As some people may not have met with their local member or contacted their
local media previously, we have put together this simple guide to assist you.
We hope you will find this information helpful. If you have any further queries
please contact us at qcoss@qcoss.org.au or call 3004 6910.
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Summary of actions from QCOSS 2016/17
Pre-Budget Submission
QCOSS’ key messages to the Queensland Government ahead of the next
state budget are:
We acknowledge the broad array of initiatives and programs announced in
recent times aimed at improving the social and economic wellbeing for all, and
reiterate how important it is that they remain person-centred.
By working together in true partnership we can build the resilience and
strength of our communities, families and individuals.
QCOSS’ 2016/17 Pre-Budget Submission to the Queensland Government
calls on the government to invest in our most vulnerable, as well as the social
services which support them, and to take every opportunity to eliminate
poverty and disadvantage from our state.
QCOSS asks the Queensland Government to commit to the following 10
actions as part of the 2016/17 State Budget.
Community resilience
Resilient communities are better equipped to manage the impacts of social
and economic change and recover more quickly from adverse events.
Communities, governments, business and community organisations all have a
role to play in building resilience.
Action:
Investigate options to provide affordable insurance for people on low
incomes in disaster prone areas of Queensland. This could include
government underwriting of home and contents insurance or facilitating
the bulk purchase of insurance products.
Action:
Mandated data sharing between government departments and with
community based organisations to support place based analysis and
creative responses to intractable problems.
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Regional Queensland focus
Three quarters of Queensland’s population live outside of Brisbane and
almost one quarter live in regional and remote areas outside of South-East
Queensland. Regional areas face unique cost of living challenges, with some
experiencing higher housing and transport costs, limited or no access to
public transport, and other areas experiencing difficulties as a result of higher
levels of unemployment.
In many regional areas a single unemployed person and single-parent
households who are unemployed or on Newstart Allowance would not have
enough income to meet a basic standard of living.
Community based organisations in regional Queensland also experience
significantly higher cost of service delivery due to staff hours and fuel costs
associated with distances travelled to deliver services.
Action:
Accommodate the full cost of travel in all human services agreements
for regional and remote Queensland.
Action:
Review the impact of insufficient public transport infrastructure on
social and economic participation of people in regional Queensland.
Cost of living
The rising cost of living impacts all Queenslanders, particularly those
experiencing poverty and disadvantage. Typically low-income households
spend a higher proportion of their income on essentials such as rent,
electricity, water and public transport. With these costs increasing at a faster
rate than other goods and services, many low-income households are
struggling with the basic cost of necessities.
Government plays a key role in alleviating cost of living pressures by offering
a range of supports to those most in need.
Action:
Review level and targeting of concessions for people on low incomes in
Queensland.
Action:
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Establish a community based energy efficiency program aimed at
reducing energy costs for customers most at risk of debt and
disconnection.
Housing and homelessness
Shelter is a fundamental human right, and equitable access to secure and
adequate housing is an important part of ensuring social inclusion. It is clear
that people on low incomes struggle to access affordable housing, which
affects many other facets of their lives.
Action:
As per the Minister for Communities, Women and Youth, Minister for
Child Safety and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family
Violence’s decision to move to five year funding agreements, commit to
five year funding agreements for housing and homelessness and
include a provision for locally driven service level cooperation and
collaborative initiatives.
Action:
Link social infrastructure to physical infrastructure spending, especially
for social and affordable housing.
Financial resilience
Financial hardship and stress have wide ranging and serious impacts, not
only on the individuals and households concerned but also communities and
society as a whole. With increases in the cost of living many families are only
just managing, and financial hardship can often be triggered by a single event
such as an accident or illness, family circumstances, unemployment, natural
disasters and financial downturns. Or longer term issues such as having no
fixed address at which to receive mail.
Action:
Fund financial counselling for Queenslanders at risk of debt causing
poverty.
Action:
Review the social and economic impact of State Penalties Enforcement
Agency (SPER) policy and practices particularly in relation to people
experiencing poverty and disadvantage.
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Meeting with your local Member of
Parliament
Arrange a meeting
Call your local member’s office or visit in person to request an interview.
Ideally request 30 – 45 minutes for the meeting. Ask who will be at the
meeting. Sometimes they will bring staff such as policy advisers and these
people can become a contact for follow up.
Similarly, know who you will be bringing to the meeting and provide this
information. Aim for your CEO, Director or Chair of the Board. Once the
meeting has been arranged, write an email confirming all the details and
providing a brief agenda or outline of the purpose of your meeting.
Consider teaming up with other community service providers in your area and
meeting together with your local Member of Parliament. By doing this you
may be able to strengthen your voice and provide a more holistic picture of
the issues.
Be prepared
Prepare some background information on your particular issue if you can. Use
QCOSS’ summary of actions from the 2016/17 Pre-Budget Submission as a
starting point.
Provide a succinct one page summary if possible with your contact details for
future reference. If you are asked a question and don’t have the answer, don’t
worry. Offer to follow up after the meeting with the requested information.
Key messages
Before you meet, write down two or three stories you want to tell. Also note
two or three key messages you want them to hear and remember. Be clear
and focused about why you are meeting with them. Ask them for a
commitment.
Talk from the heart
Politicians want to hear your experiences and the experiences of people you
know. Facts and figures are useful but personal stories are powerful. Don’t be
an expert in everything. If you can’t answer something simply say you’ll find
out and get back to them.
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Keep in mind the big picture
Try to focus on broader issues rather than one specific problem relevant only
to your organisation. You will do more for the sector and Queenslanders in
need if you help push the larger agenda of what is needed to address poverty
and inequality in Queensland.
Suggested outline for your meeting
1. Reiterate the purpose of the visit.
2. State the problem and any recommendations or actions.
3. Discuss ways in which you can help, for example provide further
information or put them in contact with QCOSS.
4. Follow up – write and phone thanking for the visit.
The power of personal stories
One of the most powerful ways to inform and educate the public and government
about an issue is through a case study of someone’s real life story.
Media will often ask for individuals or families to tell their story. There are several
things to consider if you choose to put someone forward, as often the storyteller is
someone who has experienced or is experiencing great stress and difficulties in
their life.
1. Where possible choose someone whose situation has improved or who has
experienced some success or positive change in their circumstances.
2. Consider the broader impact on the storyteller once their story has gone
public, particularly in rural or smaller communities where there is less privacy.
3. Where possible meet with the storyteller before they are interviewed to provide
advice or support, go with them to the interview if possible.
4. If your storyteller doesn’t wish to be identified but is happy for their story to be
told anonymously, ensure you protect their privacy and confidentiality when
dealing with either the media or members of parliament, particularly in rural or
smaller communities.
5. Always have the permission of the person or family before providing their
contact details to the media outlet.
Personal stories can be powerful but remember your job is to mitigate further harm
to your storyteller/s wherever possible. If at any point in the process you feel that
the tone of the story or the intention of the journalist is doubtful, politely decline to
participate any further. Not all media is good media.
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Writing to your local member
Keep it short
A short letter or email, written succinctly, will have more impact than a long
one outlining all issues in detail. Write only one or two pages. Be clear about
what exactly the main issue is and draw attention to it at the beginning. Be
focused. Remember that politicians receive many letters on any given day. It
helps to communicate the most important information you can with the fewest
words possible.
Use of salutation and address
Make sure that you use the correct salutation. Also ensure that the address
and names are correct and are not misspelt. Ensure that your name and
details are clear and bold.
Contact details for government departments/agencies are available at
www.qld.gov.au/government/departments/ and individual members and
government ministers at www.parliament.qld.gov.au/members.
Explain your organisation
In a brief paragraph explain your organisation’s key mission or role in the
community. If you think it will help, refer to your membership and/or the extent
to which the community uses your services.
Be positive
Encourage your candidate to take up this issue and help bring about the
change required. Explain the benefits for the candidate and his/her electorate.
Be clear on the issue and its importance.
Establish yourself as a resource
Let your candidate know that you are well versed with the particular issue and
should they require more information that you are able to provide it to them.
Also explain why the issue is important to you and your community. Refer to
research, statistics and other evidence if you can and be prepared to provide
copies if asked.
Call for action
Ask the candidate for a reply and an interview. Ask for a commitment to
explore this issue.
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Sample letter or email requesting a meeting
with a local Member of Parliament
[insert date]
[Insert Member of Parliament’s Name]
Member for [insert electorate]
[insert address]
Dear [Member of Parliament’s Name]
As an elected Member of Parliament in our electorate of [insert electorate] I
am sure that you are interested in the key issues concerning the constituents
in your area.
I am writing on behalf of [your organisation] to request a meeting with you on
a date convenient to you.
The meeting will be an opportunity to discuss some of the most important
issues for the people we [work with/represent] in your district.
[Describe your organisation briefly and what the key issues are that you wish
to discuss]
[Insert organisation name] would welcome the opportunity to discuss these
issues with you and hear your viewpoint. I believe that if we work together we
can improve outcomes for people in [insert electorate].
I look forward to speaking to you or a member of your staff soon to organise a
convenient time to meet.
Yours sincerely
[Your name]
[your title]
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Contacting your local media
The media is a critical resource in any campaign. Broad media exposure
allows you to achieve a higher level of public awareness and communicate
issues to elected representatives.
Local media outlets are often looking for local stories about local people. Don’t
be afraid to contact your local media – newspapers, radio and even television
stations. If you have something important to say about an issue affecting local
people, chances are someone will be interested in telling your story.
When approaching the media it is helpful to consider the following:

Radio works well for personal and engaging interviews where a story can
be told in greater depth – television works best with strong visual
elements that will enhance your story – print/newspaper gives readers
time to digest more in-depth information, facts and figures.

Define your issue – research your issue – know your issue inside and out.

Watch your local media to see how issues are portrayed and identify
journalists you feel might be sympathetic or interested in your issue.

Proactively build relationships with local journalists – find out which
journalist covers your issue in your area.

Develop core media releases and statements about your organisation and
particular issue. Practice saying what the key issues and solutions are in
10 seconds – this is the average time of a television news grab.

Develop a media policy and clearly identify and brief your official
spokespersons – usually the CEO or director unless otherwise delegated.

Consider the ethical issues that can emerge when dealing with the media.
If the tone of the article or intention of the journalist is doubtful, politely
decline to participate. If putting forward real life case studies, ensure they
know they can cancel their involvement at any time if they feel exploited
or misrepresented.

Be clear if you are saying something off the record. Be conscious of your
responsibilities in relation to defamation laws, for example.
For examples of QCOSS media releases: https://www.qcoss.org.au/news
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