Policy Advocacy

Available on-campus & remote (online) . Students participate in interactive, real-time classes. There are a whole range of individuals, groups and organisations that seek to influence the formulation and implementation of public policy – from community advocacy organisations and think tanks to political lobbyists and ‘policy entrepreneurs’ within government. This course explores the nature of policy advocacy and the important role it plays in public policy and policy processes in democratic systems. It examines strategies and tactics deployed by policy advocates inside and outside of government when persuading decision makers and the public, mobilising supporters, and building policy networks. The course draws on the fields of policy theory and policy analysis, political science, political sociology, and public administration. Students will analyse a variety of Australian and international case studies, with a special focus on contested issues in social policy. Key themes include issues of voice and representation, the role of framing, language and storytelling in policy advocacy, and approaches to researching, analysing and evaluating policy advocacy impact.