Dear Here to Help, I know you have previously written about bus service problems in NSW since outsourcing, but it seems to be getting worse! I followed your advice and tried to lodge a complaint, but nothing happens. At least once a week, my daughter is stranded...
Dear Here to Help, It seems that a lot of what you do – government advocacy or public policy – is about fixing things that should never have happened in the first place. It all feels a lot like locking the stable doors after the horse...
Dear Here to Help, When you talk about public policy, I imagine a power point with a power board attached to it, then double adapter after double adapter plugged into it. It seems like you come along and unravel that into something that works, safely. Is...
Be Prepared I was speaking to one of my regular readers earlier this week. He said that a key theme in my articles is the old Scout motto “be prepared”. Let’s talk about why being prepared is important and what it looks like. Being prepared is important because: ...
Dear Here to Help, I have been reading your column over the past years and I wonder what to do once all other avenues have been exhausted, without result? Thank you for your letter. Sometimes, it feels like you aren’t getting anywhere with government, or other large bureaucracies....
Dear Here to Help, I am at a stage in my career where I want to give back to my community, by helping government make better decisions. I have worked extensively with small business owners, not-for-profits and charities, to help them become more sustainable. I see how...
Everyone loves some good alliteration, right? Here are the seven Ps of advocacy, that one of my regular Local column readers distilled from reading my articles. PURPOSE – be clear on the outcome you’re seeking. Taking the time to get this step right is crucial – read...
I started my journey in public policy as a new graduate in the public service. John Howard had just been elected for his second term on a public policy platform of tax reform. The reforms meant massive increases to public service staffing and lots of...
Dear Here to Help, My son has been engaged with adolescent mental health services for some time and I'm so frustrated!! It took months to get a psychologist appointment and when we did, we could only get them during school hours, and he's already missing too much...
Dear Here to Help, I read a recent article about a Japanese woman who decided that she couldn’t look the other way. She pushed the Japanese government to take action, including through her petition. The article is here. Is this an isolated example of ordinary people pushing...