Government relations in Australia offers several career opportunities, such as being a government relations manager or advisor, policy analyst, and lobbyist. Though each of these professionals has different job profiles, what ties them together is working for the government and successfully creating positive change.
As government relations in Australia are complex and ever-demanding, the nation demands exceptionally agile individuals who have strategic acumen, are always updated on government policies and affairs, and undeniably possess exceptional public communication skills.
Interested in making a career for yourself in government relations? This blog is here to guide you on what path to take and the kind of skills you need!
What are careers in government relations?
Careers in government relations in Australia primarily focus on shaping and improving laws and regulations to contribute to the nation’s growth. Government relations professionals focus on bridging the gap between organisations and the government. They ensure that organisations are compliant with regulations while simultaneously, the organisation’s interests are understood and considered by policymakers.
Some of the common roles you can enter in careers in government relations are:
- Lobbyist
- Government Relations Manager
- Public Affairs Consultant:
- Policy Analyst
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Grassroots Campaign Coordinator
- Political Advisor or Political Consultant
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
- Advocacy Director
What are the Hard Skills Needed for a Career in Government Relations?
- Understanding of Government Processes and Legislative Framework
Irrespective of the position you’re striving for in government, you will need to understand the legislative process in Australia. You should have a solid understanding of the complete political system of Australia, which includes knowing how laws are made, the different branches of government, and the roles of local, state, and federal entities.
- Policy Analysis and Research
As a professional working in government relations services, you should always be informed about legislative changes and the media and political cycle. You should understand the policy analysis and research process to evaluate and contribute to developing policies effectively. You will be required to analyse proposed bills, regulations, or government reports and further summarise them for the stakeholders.
- Legal and Regulatory Knowledge
You need to have a solid grasp of the legal and regulatory framework—knowledge of the framework of lobbying laws, industry regulations, and public sector rules. A thorough understanding of such laws, fair implementation of policies, and making informed decisions based on that are fundamental in this field.
- Research Skills
Working in government requires you to be good at gathering, researching, and analysing data to support your ideas. This helps you to use the data and insights gained from them to advise stakeholders on significant decisions.
- Strategy development
When you are working for the government, it naturally means you are serving the common public. Thus, you need to learn to think strategically before making any significant decision. You have to go beyond consulting stakeholders and experts and learn to develop a comprehensive strategy that works in favour of everyone.
What are the Soft Skills Needed for a Career in Government Relations?
- Communication
Working in the public sector means meeting a lot of people, from high-ranking officials to top leaders from different industries and backgrounds. With strong communication skills, you can gain the trust of these people and increase your influence in your organisation and beyond. Strong communication skills help you with public speaking skills that help you become more visible in government and increase your chances of becoming a leader or future leader.
- Leadership
To transition to a more senior role in the future, you need to be a good leader. Leadership skills empower you to make strong policy decisions more directly.
- Attention to detail
Having a good eye for detail is a must, especially when you want to work as a policymaker. Undoubtedly, any decision made by the government has a huge impact on society’s progress and overall well-being, so you must be accurate and thorough with your research and support the evidence behind them.
- Networking
Dealing with public affairs and networking goes hand in hand. You should have a strong network of contacts ranging from professionals working in media, government, and even the private sector. A good network allows you to access important information to make new policies or other major government decisions. Take help from Government Policy Navigation Services, where you can meet experts who can help you in honing your skills.
- Organisation
One key habit that makes a government relations professional successful is being highly organised. Organise all the crucial work and keep track of deadlines, meetings, and media appearances.
How Can Government Relations Consulting Services Help?
If you’re striving to build a strong foundation for your career, seek guidance from professional government relations consulting services. Renowned consultancy companies such as Codex Communications can help you guide your government career and help the government bridge the gap between organisations and key decision-makers in governmental departments.
Many consulting firms provide internships or entry-level positions that can help you gain hands-on experience in government relations. Grabbing these opportunities gives you good exposure to diverse clients and issues. With their constant mentorship and training, you can develop both hard skills and soft skills and advance your career.
Conclusion
Making a career in government relations can be fulfilling and rewarding. Through a career in government relations, you get the chance to provide public service for the nation and contribute to the welfare of the people. However, to enter these services and thrive in them, you need to develop key skills discussed in this blog. Secondly, enhancing your skill set is vital in government relations through personal development or partnering with specialised consulting services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between government relations and public relations?
Though both branches focus on managing communication and relationships, their focus and objectives differ. Government relations focus on maintaining relationships with government officials and policymakers that significantly influence policy decisions.
Public relations focuses on helping an organisation interact with the government, legislators, interest groups, and the media and maintaining its image and reputation.
How do I become a government relations manager?
A government relations manager is a professional who works within the organisation to ensure that the company’s interests are represented at the government level in the best manner. Pursue a degree in political science, public administration, or related fields to get the basic knowledge. Also, obtain certifications in government relations or public policy to understand this field broadly.
What is government relationship management (GRM)?
Government Relationship Management (GRM) is a specialised field within government relations that includes strategic planning, implementation, and management of the organisation’s interaction with government entities.