Policy Writing: Developing compelling submissions Workshop (June 2027)

Policy Writing: Developing compelling submissions

Drafting policy submissions is a key part of policy and advocacy work in not-for-profit organisations. This two-and-a-half-hour online workshop explores how to prepare, structure and develop submissions that make a clear case for change.

Drawing on case studies and examples from across the not-for-profit sector, the workshop provides practical tips, tools and resources to strengthen your organisation’s submissions and support its systemic advocacy.

Date: Wednesday 16 June 2027

Session times by state and territory

• VIC, NSW, ACT, Queensland and Tasmania: 11:00am–1:30pm AEST
• South Australia and Northern Territory: 10:30am–1:00pm ACST
• Western Australia: 9:00am–11:30am AWST

What participants say about this training

“I found the 'What to do with your policy submission once submitted', 'What to consider before preparing a policy submission' and the 'What to include in your policy submission to make the case for change', most useful. Also, all the resources were excellent. I would recommend this online workshop”

Andrew Giles, MS Australia

“The Policy Writing - Developing Compelling Submissions Course was well delivered and practical and the slides and submission template were good.”

Judy Powell, Exercise and Sports Science Australia

What does the workshop cover?

1. What to consider before preparing a policy submission

Understand the review or inquiry process, the role your organisation can play and the preparation needed before drafting. Explore processes to help your organisation identify its priorities and inform its submission.

2. What to include in your policy submission to make a case for change

Learn how to articulate policy priorities clearly and structure a compelling submission. Explore what information to include and creative ways to communicate your evidence and recommendations.

3. What to do with your policy submission once submitted

Drafting and lodging a submission is one part of the advocacy process. Explore how to use your completed submission to support engagement, communicate your priorities and advance your organisation’s strategic advocacy.

4. What to consider when using generative AI in policy writing

Explore how generative AI can support the preparation of policy documents, along with the ethical considerations involved in its use.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will be better equipped to:

• Establish a process for preparing a policy submission
• Structure a submission that clearly communicates evidence, priorities and recommendations
• Use a completed submission as part of a broader advocacy strategy
• Consider the practical and ethical implications of using generative AI in policy writing

Participants will receive tools and templates to support the development of compelling submissions.

Workshop format

This workshop will be delivered online as a single 2.5-hour session.

The workshop will be recorded.

Who should attend?

This workshop is designed for people working in the not-for-profit or for-purpose sector who develop policy submissions as part of systemic advocacy.

It is particularly relevant to policy, research, advocacy and government relations managers, advisers and officers.

If you’ve attended the Policy and Advocacy Intensives or accessed our online Policy Writing module, this workshop builds on that learning through a deeper exploration of policy submission writing.

About the facilitator

Caterina Giorgi is the Founder of For Purpose. She has worked in purpose-driven organisations for almost two decades, including most recently as CEO of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE).

She is also the Chair of Australian Progress, a Founding Member of Women in Public Health and an Ambassador of NOFASD. She has previously served on the boards of YMCA Canberra and Fair Agenda.

Caterina has presented at conferences, delivered training and consulted with organisations on strategy, advocacy, government relations and public policy. She has contributed to legislative and policy changes at all levels of government in health and social policy.

Caterina holds an honours degree in public health and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).