News & MediaThe 2025 Federal Election is coming up in just a few months, and so now is one of the best opportunities to contact your MP and Senators!
Engaging with your MP or Senator is a powerful way to ensure that arts policy remains a priority. Politicians are more likely to act when they hear directly from their constituents (and not just from TNA!). Below are practical tips for emailing, meeting with, and influencing politicians to support arts investment and policy improvements.
1. Understanding Your Audience
Know Who You Are Talking To
Before reaching out, research the background, priorities, and party affiliation of the MP or Senator. Here are some very general tips:
- Labor MPs – Emphasise the national cultural policy Revive, and the need to build on its foundations.
- Liberal-National MPs – Focus on economic benefits, job creation, and direct investment.
- Greens and Independents – Highlight accountability, equity, and advocacy for underrepresented voices.
- Regional MPs – Stress the importance of funding for national touring and arts access in regional and remote areas.
📌 Find your MP and their priorities: www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members
2. Writing an Effective Email
A strong email should be concise, professional, and solution-focused. Here’s how to structure it:
- Introduce Yourself – Mention that you are a constituent and briefly state your role in the arts sector.
- Highlight the Importance of the Arts – Use key facts and figures to demonstrate the impact of arts and culture on the economy, jobs, and community wellbeing. Check the TNA Quick Facts or our most recent pre-budget submission.
- State Your Asks Clearly – Be direct about what you want the MP to support (e.g., increased investment in Playing Australia, tax-free arts grants, a Creative Schools program).
- Offer a Local Perspective – Mention arts projects, venues, or organisations in their electorate that will benefit from the recommended policies (including your own).
- Request a Meeting or Action – Ask for a response, a commitment, or a meeting to discuss the issue further.
📌 Use our email templates to save time and ensure your message is impactful!
3. Securing and Preparing for a Meeting
How to Request a Meeting:
- Keep your request short and clear:
- Example: “I am a [your role] in [electorate] and would love the opportunity to meet and discuss how the arts contribute to jobs, economic growth, and community wellbeing in our region. Would you be available to meet in the coming weeks?”
- Be flexible – politicians have busy schedules, so offer multiple times and dates.
- If you can’t meet with them directly, ask to speak with a policy advisor or staff member.
How to Prepare for Your Meeting:
- Know Your Key Messages – Review your talking points and be clear on what you are asking for. You could echo TNA’s recommendations, or have ones that are specifically about you, your practice, or your organisation.
- Bring Local Examples – Politicians care about their constituents. Highlight specific impacts on local venues, artists, or audiences, including the impacts of your work.
- Be Concise and Stay on Topic – Keep the meeting focused, and avoid long-winded discussions.
- Have a Clear Ask – End the meeting by requesting their support for your recommendations.
- Leave Behind a Resource – Provide a one-page summary of your key points or send a follow-up email with further details.
4. Making the Most of Public and Community Events
Politicians attend town halls, community meetings, and cultural events – these are great opportunities to engage them in a less formal setting.
If you get a chance to ask a question:
- Be polite but direct – for example:
- “Many artists in our community earn below a living wage. What will your party do to ensure fair pay for creative workers?”
- “Rising touring costs mean fewer performances are reaching regional Australia. Will you support increasing funding for regional arts?”
- If the politician dodges the question, politely follow up afterward via email.
📅 Find out when your MP is attending local events by checking their social media, website, or subscribing to their newsletters.
5. Following Up After Your Engagement
- Send a Thank You Email – Thank them for their time and restate your key points.
- Provide Additional Information – If they requested more details, send them promptly.
- Stay in Touch – Keep the conversation going by updating them on sector developments, upcoming arts events, or new research.
- Hold Them Accountable – If they made a commitment, politely follow up to ask for progress.
6. Building Long-Term Influence
- Get Your Community Involved – Encourage other artists, audiences, and industry professionals to write to their MP or attend events.
- Use Social Media – Politicians pay attention to public discourse. Tag them in posts about funding issues or successful arts programs in their electorate.
- Engage With Media – Letters to the editor, opinion pieces, or local radio interviews can amplify your message.
💡 Reminder: The most effective advocacy is persistent, professional, and people-powered. The more they hear from their constituents, the more likely they are to act.
Ready to Take Action?
- Send your email today! Use our email templates to get started.
- Request a meeting with your MP. Even a short conversation can have a big impact.
- Spread the word! Encourage your network to engage with politicians and make the arts a national priority.
📌 Need help? Contact TNA to have a chat at info@tna.org.au or (03) 9947 1015.