Adamy
21-03-2008, 10:24 PM
Hi all!
Been a while since I have been on here and commend all you guys for fighting the good fight to keep the Bay open.
As some who know me know - I have left the sunshine state for a job in our nations capital where I work for a certain Govt department. Anyway part of my job is to answer some of the letters that are addressed to our most senior pollies - like the PM and the Treasurer.
Just thought I'd drop a few hints on letter writing - and how to get your letter actually read by the pollies and if not read by them - to get your view across so that it adds weight.
Its a strategy thing, before you start typing or pen to paper have a think about what you want to achieve with your writing. If you want to suggest an alternative policy - then my advice is basically forget it!! We have people writing us (the PM and treasurer) all the time and suggesting policy options - the PM and treasurer never ever even get near these letters - they get vetted by "the office" and go to a lowly graduate - or lower - to get answered and they send back the standard - Thank you for taking the time to write to (insert name) you views have been heard .... etc. (cutnpaste)
If you want to have your opinion heard - then great do that - but encourage as many others to do that too - because an individual letter doesnt make much difference but a flood does and the "tide" of opinion is quite important - with these kinds of letters - you need weight - the more the better - eventually your message will be delivered (hopefully).
If however you want a well thought out reply and make the poor public servant(s) have to work for that reply - and hence have his supervisors have to review your letter and the reply and maybe go through several iterations before getting the wording just right - then ask some well thought out questions.
The questions are the key - all letters which ask questions HAVE to be answered - not all letters get answered but those that ask question do - otherwise there's problems. So ask as many as you like - make them policy oriented and they have to address you - ask more than 1 question on different policy areas within the same topic and your letter will be bounced around different departments who look after the different 'answers'.
To your local pollie - tell them you wont vote for them next time - but to the minister (who doesnt care about your vote) - ask questions - its the key!
Anyway, good luck guys! Do write letters but make sure they are well thought out and directed by strategy!
Summary: - keys: threaten local pollies with votes - and ASK QUESTIONS of ministers and if you ask more than 1 question - make sure you get answers for all questions... and dont bother sending policy suggestions - nobody even looks at those (sorry to those who have great suggestions)
If you REALLY want to influence the political process with great policies - then join a political party, get a job with the relevant department - or better yet run for office yourself - otherwise forget it! - the process doesnt allow for outsiders to make policy suggestions (unless you're one of the PM's 1000 for the 20/20 summit).
Good luck!
Adam
Been a while since I have been on here and commend all you guys for fighting the good fight to keep the Bay open.
As some who know me know - I have left the sunshine state for a job in our nations capital where I work for a certain Govt department. Anyway part of my job is to answer some of the letters that are addressed to our most senior pollies - like the PM and the Treasurer.
Just thought I'd drop a few hints on letter writing - and how to get your letter actually read by the pollies and if not read by them - to get your view across so that it adds weight.
Its a strategy thing, before you start typing or pen to paper have a think about what you want to achieve with your writing. If you want to suggest an alternative policy - then my advice is basically forget it!! We have people writing us (the PM and treasurer) all the time and suggesting policy options - the PM and treasurer never ever even get near these letters - they get vetted by "the office" and go to a lowly graduate - or lower - to get answered and they send back the standard - Thank you for taking the time to write to (insert name) you views have been heard .... etc. (cutnpaste)
If you want to have your opinion heard - then great do that - but encourage as many others to do that too - because an individual letter doesnt make much difference but a flood does and the "tide" of opinion is quite important - with these kinds of letters - you need weight - the more the better - eventually your message will be delivered (hopefully).
If however you want a well thought out reply and make the poor public servant(s) have to work for that reply - and hence have his supervisors have to review your letter and the reply and maybe go through several iterations before getting the wording just right - then ask some well thought out questions.
The questions are the key - all letters which ask questions HAVE to be answered - not all letters get answered but those that ask question do - otherwise there's problems. So ask as many as you like - make them policy oriented and they have to address you - ask more than 1 question on different policy areas within the same topic and your letter will be bounced around different departments who look after the different 'answers'.
To your local pollie - tell them you wont vote for them next time - but to the minister (who doesnt care about your vote) - ask questions - its the key!
Anyway, good luck guys! Do write letters but make sure they are well thought out and directed by strategy!
Summary: - keys: threaten local pollies with votes - and ASK QUESTIONS of ministers and if you ask more than 1 question - make sure you get answers for all questions... and dont bother sending policy suggestions - nobody even looks at those (sorry to those who have great suggestions)
If you REALLY want to influence the political process with great policies - then join a political party, get a job with the relevant department - or better yet run for office yourself - otherwise forget it! - the process doesnt allow for outsiders to make policy suggestions (unless you're one of the PM's 1000 for the 20/20 summit).
Good luck!
Adam