FLEET seminar. How to influence government

Presented by Michael Harvey – FLEET-EQUS

Learn how to influence science policymakers.

In Australia our research priorities, allocation of funds between competing categories, even the universities where you work, and much else that affects your research and career are all governed by rules and decisions made by our state and federal governments. Ideally, these decisions will be carefully considered and based on the best information and evidence. The practical reality is that these decisions are made under time and resource constraints, meaning that they must use the best information and evidence to hand.

This represents an opportunity for those scientists who make the effort to present their input into the process.

This seminar will look at how you can contribute to this process and help ensure that these policy decisions achieve the best outcomes for our society. I will discuss three of the simplest and easiest ways for you to provide input and participate in the decisions that affect your areas of interest. I will also give you some tips on how to get your message across and how to be a positive contributor to the sorts of policy decisions which affect you, your research, your career, and our society.

At the same time, you’ll learn to hone valuable communications skills.

Are you always 100% happy with Australia’s science policy? Are there ever factors you’re not sure are being considered? Do you wonder if other interest groups’ voices are louder than ‘your own’ interest group? If so, speak up.