Civil society, non-government organisation (NGOs), community and not-for-profit organisations are playing an increasingly important role in society, both nationally and internationally. At the same time, the place of this sector in the democratic process is also a contested area - a fact that is explored in the course. Legal practitioners, particularly in the civil society sector, are often called upon to lead, or contribute to public advocacy campaigns, and because of the increasing significance of the sector, their work on behalf of their organisations and stakeholders needs to be of a high professional and ethical standard. The course aims to provide the skills required to conduct public advocacy campaigns, in the context of a pluralistic democratic model, as well as developing students' ability to critically evaluate the public policy process. It also provides an introduction to the theoretical framework of democratic models, which are being contested in Australia today.
Main Topics
- Theories of democracy and how they relate to civil society
- Methods of defining civil society and the significance of the sector in Australia today
- Introduction to a planning template for developing a successful public advocacy campaign. Combining this project management approach with dynamic creativity.
- Critical examination of two major campaigns in the areas of environment and international development
- Lobbying - how to do it. Federal Government mechanism relevant to affecting the public policy process.
- The media, freedom of the press in Australia and writing a media release
- Public opinion polling, FOI, whistleblower legislation, SLAPP writs
- Using information technology for advocacy
- Use of international human rights mechanisms to further domestic advocacy campaigns
- Assessing the effectiveness of public advocacy campaigns
