Calling decisioN makers

A phone call directly to a key decision maker’s office is powerful – it shows them that you care enough about the issue to take time out of your day and it gives them the chance to listen to those they represent. Offices log the number of calls they get for and against key issues, so what you say can change how they vote in Parliament.

Right now, we have a key opportunity to urge Labor to include a cap on donations and election spending in their campaign finance reforms. By taking 5 minutes to pick up the phone you can demonstrate just how much community support there is for ambitious new laws to get big money out of politics. If you need a recap of what JSCEM is and how we’ve engaged so far, we’ve put one together here.

Before you call

The call is likely to only be a couple of minutes long, so be prepared with your message. Take a moment to think about and jot down what you want to say. To make this an effective phone call, here are a few points to cover:

• Introduce yourself: you’re a concerned community member and want to raise an important issue within their portfolio with them.
• Explain why you’re calling: you’re calling to urge this key decision-maker to include a cap on donations and election spending, alongside their proposed campaign finance reforms.
• Outline the opportunity: mention that you know the draft JSCEM recommendations are due soon and that this is a unique opportunity to make a full suite of changes to the way big money can influence our politics.
• Ask for their support: ask them to include a cap on donations and election spending in the JSCEM recommendations. They may encourage you to also email your concern which you can do to reiterate your position.

Making your call

Remember to be calm, friendly and patient with the staffer who answers the call. Their job is to take your message and pass it on to the Minister and relevant advisors. Clearly share the key points you prepared and thank them for passing on your message.

If they direct you to contact your local member instead or say this is a matter for the JSCEM committee, let them know you understand they are a key decision-maker on this issue and it is important that they record your concern.

We have invited you to make a phone call based on your location or previous action you’ve taken with us. If you have the capacity, feel free to call both of these key decision-makers – the more phone calls, the more impact.

We have invited you to make a phone call based on your location or previous action you’ve taken with us. If you have the capacity, feel free to call both of these key decision-makers – the more phone calls, the more impact.

After the call

Congratulations! You’ve just contributed to a wave of community pressure that could change the way big money influences Australian politics. We would really appreciate you taking one more minute to complete the form below and let us know how you went. This is crucial information for us to coordinate our efforts and create accountability for the decision-makers