Following our advocacy around the Federal election earlier this year, we began to develop a Hunter JO Advocacy Framework and Priorities which is now complete!
The structure of this framework and the specific asks identified has been informed substantially from:
- 2022 Commonwealth election advocacy work
- Engagement with Commonwealth and State Members of Parliament
- Discussions and resolutions of the Hunter JO Board
- Outcomes from each of the Hunter JO Subcommittees
- Findings from the delivery of the Hunter JO Policy and Programs work
- The priorities of our Mayors identified through the development of the Hunter JO Strategic Plan
This framework has been the foundation of our recent NSW parliamentary engagement to communicate the shared interests, priorities and directions of our Member Councils and Board in the lead up to the 2023 NSW Government election.
This marks the first time an agreed policy and advocacy agenda across the 10 Hunter JO Member Councils has been presented which clearly articulates those advocacy priorities for the region. As well as focusing on the specific portfolio interests of Ministers and Shadow Ministers, these meetings have all explored the idea of a regional entity based in the Hunter, which could drive, coordinate, and deliver the substantive and rapid economic evolution needed to maintain our liveability and economic prosperity as traditional coal and energy-based industries decline.
The value to Ministers and Shadow Ministers of the Regional Advocacy Framework and Priorities document that has been developed has been noted on several occasions, given that it provides a resource that demonstrates alignment across a large number of Councils. It is also an evidence base that they can draw from when attempting to influence policy directions and outcomes within their party and within Parliament.
Access our Advocacy Framework and Priorities here.