Labor is back, and a new advocacy window opens – if you know how to use it.

It may have been one of the least memorable campaigns in living memory, but Anthony Albanese’s thumping victory in the 2025 federal election is anything but boring.

The reality of a returned, strengthened and emboldened Labor Government has implications for all those who seek to shape public policy and engage in the big debates about Australia’s future.

Many advocates had been preparing to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a minority government propped up with the support of a colourful crossbench.

While this didn’t eventuate, good planning is rarely wasted. The march of the independents continues and they will likely remain key players in the current (and in subsequent) Parliaments.

Nonetheless, a strategic pivot is now required.

Loud voices are already telling Labor what it should do with its second term.

The Australian Financial Review reports an “avalanche of demands” from business leaders urging the Government to reform the tax system and “repair broken environment laws”.

Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers have been quick to insist they won’t be entertaining any policy frolics, but will instead stay 'laser focused' on delivering the policies that just won them the election.

The truth is somewhere in the middle.

While the ALP will be wary not to engage in Workchoices-style overreach or carbon tax-level broken promises, three years is a long time.

They are there to govern and make decisions. And they do now have the power and authority to be bolder on some fronts.

The sweet spot for advocates will be championing policy measures that align with existing government policies, goals, values or messaging.

In political terms, this means measures that voters won't perceive — and opponents cannot portray — as policy ‘backflips’ or betrayals and/or items the government feels will be electorally popular.

Obvious examples can be found in the broad policy areas Labor campaigned on: the embrace of renewable energy, tackling housing challenges, supporting local manufacturing, delivering affordable and accessible childcare, and sensible healthcare reform.

Changes in emphasis from the government will also be instructive.

“The first term was primarily [about] inflation without forgetting [about] productivity,” Jim Chalmers told ABC's Insiders.

“The second term will be primarily [about] productivity without forgetting [about] inflation.”

It’s basically the same economic message, but delivered with a significant twist. Small breadcrumbs like this will tell us where the government has an appetite for something more.

Even as vote counting continues, anybody with a bright idea or reform proposal should be updating their policy briefs and advocacy pitches.

The ‘sell’ will be crucial.

Bids must be framed in the language and style of the government’s existing ambitions. Links must be drawn between your agenda and the government's own, stated goals. Ministers' offices must be presented with so-called “hearable messages”.

Ambit claims or wild proposals made just because Labor is now more powerful, and that don’t align with current government goals, will likely be rejected outright.

While speed is necessary, so is patience. Advocates must be prepared to play the long game. This is because the government is right to focus on the delivery of election promises, and this will largely occupy their attention for the next 9-12 months.

Only when those policies are legislated, funded or otherwise implemented will the government publicly shift its focus to other matters.

But for advocates, the planning and quiet advocacy should start today.

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This article was originally published on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/labor-back-new-advocacy-window-opens-you-know-how-use-icdwc/