Ten Lessons from an Experienced Policy Adviser

(Notes from a lecture given by Meredith Edwards at the Master of Political and Public Policy Colloquium,
Macquarie University, 28th August 2009. Meredith Edwards is the Founding Director of the Institute for Governance
at the University of Canberra).

1. Consider the context

Context can be ideological or economic or both. Consider what you can do in the context
and develop your strategies accordingly. Have a fall-back plan. Be prepared to bide your
time.
2. Identify the issues early

Set out issue priorities. Start with areas of agreement.

3. Pay attention to process

Set up a system of agreement before tackling harder issues, especially value issues.
4. Follow ALL policy stages

Keep all stages in mind, even if messy. Know where you are in the policy stage. This
gives a framework to work within and provides some rigor to the process.
5. Search for research

Use evidence wherever possible; policy advising is an interactive process of evidence

gathering.
6. Include implementation and evaluation in decision-making

These should be included in the process from the beginning.

7. Know your boss

Prepare your briefs accordingly. For example, if they are a person who likes an overview
first, provide one.
8. Use networks and build relationships

Trust is important in the policy development process. Build relationships which are
appropriate for the issue.
9. Pursue your passion

If a particular issue means a lot to you, pursue it.

10. Know thyself

Build a team which complements your abilities.

 Some lessons from an experienced NGO policy adviser
(Notes from a lecture by Michael Raper, Director of International Programs for the Red Cross; Master of Political
and Public Policy Colloquium, Macquarie University, 28th August 2009).

1. You have to have a policy to have something to say. For NGOs this needs to be:
- non-party political
- evidence based
- non-personal (the ball not the man)
You should aim to propose as well as oppose. You need to deal with revenue raising as
well as spending. You need to know your values base and stick to it. You need to be a
media performer – the media is a major player in the public policy sector.
2. Recognize that politics and policy cannot be separated. There is no such thing as pure policy.
Good politics is based on good policy.
3. It is necessary to understand and deal with the Federal/states relationship.
4. It is also necessary to understand the role of left and right in party politics.
5. Good policy making requires a balance between intellect and emotion.
6. Recognize that BUDGETS are a vital part of NGO work – you need to understand them, know
how to generate them and to build submissions using them.