Developing a plan for government relations

An FP Explainer

Developing a plan for government relations can feel overwhelming, especially when there is a new Parliament.

The G-R-A (Goal, Relationships, Approach) framework seeks to support purpose-driven organisations to focus on what matters most.

Before using the framework, it’s important to identify your policy asks. What are the laws, policies or programs that you want government to develop, change or support? Outlining clear policy asks and identifying priority asks provides the government with a road map for action to address the problem you are seeking to overcome.

What is your government relations GOAL?

Your government relations goal is not the same as your policy ask, but it does directly relate to it.

For example, if you are seeking future funding for a program of work – the goal might be that everyone involved in decision-making on this understands the impact and strengths of the program.

Your government relations goal is your best guess on the decision-maker engagement needed to achieve your ask. The more specific the goal, the better.

A great goal helps to achieve the ask and sets you up to achieve future asks.

What RELATIONSHIPS are needed to make this happen?

Government relations is all about relationships. It’s people who can create change and your connections with them is critical to achieving what you are seeking.

Once your goal has been identified, the next step is to identify the key people that relationships need to be formed with.

Returning to the example of a funding extension ask, you might need to reach out to the Minister responsible, Junior Ministers associated with the portfolio, the Treasurer, passionate backbenchers and the decision makers responsible for your program in the relevant government department.

What APPROACHES are needed to connect with these decision makers?

Once your goal has been determined and the relationships needed have been identified – the next question to be answered is how to approach them.

This may involve meetings, inviting them to speak at events, briefings, letters, asking others to reach out to them on your behalf or being part of events or activities that they will be present at.

Returning to the example of the funding extension ask, you might create a budget proposal which you provide to the key people identified, meet with backbenchers with an interest in your issue and present to public servants that oversee your program of funding.

The G-R-A map

The map below provides a template for brainstorming your goal, relationships and approaches. You can use the map to brainstorm your plan for government relations – always focusing on your goal which is at the centre.  

For Purpose has developed a workshop on the 48th Parliament.

9 July 2025