Government relations

A case that government can consider

SCA starts by asking what the organisation wants changed, which public decision is involved and what evidence supports the request. The discussion distinguishes a ministerial decision, departmental assessment, regulatory process and parliamentary inquiry, because each needs a different approach.

The client provides its proposed position, supporting analysis, relevant correspondence and known deadlines. SCA can turn that material into a briefing, submission, meeting brief or engagement plan, identifying unresolved questions and the approvals needed before it is used.

Government and stakeholder context for a new proposal

An organisation entering a market or advancing a new proposal may first need to understand the public bodies, industry participants and communities with an interest in it. This can form part of a government relations assignment, with the scope confined to the government and stakeholder context. Commercial, legal and technical assessments need their own advisers.

Responsibilities and scope

Registration, disclosure and conflict rules need to be considered for the proposed activity. Advice and preparation do not guarantee a meeting, preferential access or a government decision.

Each piece of work is scoped and quoted before it starts. The scope identifies the material to be prepared, any meeting preparation or follow-up, responsibilities and timing. Government relations draws on briefings, correspondence and submissions within corporate affairs.