Be present, but be sensitive to your government stakeholders' priorities - it's not their average year.
Keep in mind that politicians are focused on decisions that will resonate with voters. To maintain strong relationships, engage consistently with both Government and Opposition MPs—not because you need something, but because you have something to offer. Whether it’s purchasing a ticket to a fundraiser, taking a staffer out for lunch, or simply buying them a coffee, small gestures can provide relief during the high-pressure lead-up to an election. Most importantly, don’t go silent. Stay visible and ready to re-engage once the election dust settles.
Government departments are currently preparing their 'blue book' and 'red book', which are critical for ensuring a smooth transition post-election. The blue book provides briefings on the status of bills, government programs, and the fiscal position for a returning government, while the red book offers similar insights for an incoming administration. These documents are invaluable for continuity and offer a clear pathway for Government Relations teams to prepare for any election outcome. A strong strategy will ensure your team is ready to act when the next government is sworn in. Read more about crafting your red/blue book strategy here.
As election day approaches, MPs will be making announcements and campaign promises to capture the attention of voters. These will be scattered across traditional media, social platforms, parliamentary speeches, and press events on the campaign trail. While monitoring these announcements in real time is important, consolidating and mapping them to the relevant people and issues will make it much easier to launch your post-election engagement. Ensure you’re tracking all key remarks in one centralised place.
As the election draws nearer, government departments will enter caretaker mode. While public servants won’t be involved in political activities, they may have more time available to engage, just as MPs become less accessible. This creates an excellent opportunity to build or strengthen relationships with key public service contacts. When reaching out, come prepared with a concise overview of your organisation and its priorities as they relate to the department’s portfolio. Developing these relationships now can pay dividends after the election.
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