Rule makers and timeframes

Rule Makers and Timeframes

The next stage involves identifying key players in the political process, including the proponents and opponents of the policy development or change you want to achieve. The goal is to identify who will support the reform, and which political, economic, and social interests oppose the policy direction.

It is useful to find out the timetable of the events which influence policy development. For example:

• Typically, proposals are developed six to nine months before the budget. Advocacy in this early period should target ministers and departmental officials.
• Three to six months before the budget, the proposals are with senior members of government (Cabinet or a Cabinet sub-committee). They will be considering the possible trade-offs between different sectors and within sectors. This is an important consideration in the health sector where funds may be withdrawn from one area to support another.
• Advocacy during this budget period should target Finance and Treasury as well as key members of Cabinet or the Cabinet sub-committee.
• Policy ideas that are not expensive (or that generate revenue) are popular.
• For costly policies and programs, potential budget savings will have to be determined.
• In budget submissions it is important to have a convincingly cost proposal.

Congratulations you have now completed the overview of the contextual environment including values, traditions, ethics, gender and risk. You have an understanding of systems theory and have a policy intervention plan. You have also investigated the political and legislative process relevant to the issue you have selected.