Lobbying and Government Relations, Exercise

This was an interesting PR example to view. It proves the point of having a small team managing and coordinating all the lobbying activities is far more effective than having a larger team doing this. From the beginning, the Wilderness Society had a strong, passionate and dedicated leader who had a sound understanding of what was required to gain maximum exposure of this issue to ultimately save the Franklin River.

The Wilderness Society used all three methods of lobbying thorough the course of this campaign. After failing to gain the outcome they were after through Direct Lobbying efforts with the Stet Government, they continued on with lobbying efforts by adopting the Grass Tops Lobbying method. A number of high profile politicians from around Australia joined the campaign and used their status to influence other community leaders of the same status. This raised the profile of the campaign to the next level and gained masses of media attention.

The lobbyists gained the majority of Australia’s support through Grass Roots Lobbying tactics, large non-violent protests were organised just before a Federal election, publicity was gained and most importantly the soon to be Prime Minister proceeded to make this an election commitment of the new government if people voted them in.

The Wilderness Society was extremely organised and went through all the motions required to gain a positive outcome. They not only stoped the dam being built but went on to have the legislation changed in the High Court to have the Franklin River listed as world heritage.