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HOW TO ENGAGE YOUR MP

HOW TO ENGAGE YOUR MP. Rob Knowles President MIFV. Responsibilities of Government. Federal Government : Taxation Medical Benefits Scheme [GP’s] Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Social Security Employment Services Private Health Insurance National Health and Medical Research Council.

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HOW TO ENGAGE YOUR MP

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  1. HOW TO ENGAGE YOUR MP Rob Knowles President MIFV

  2. Responsibilities of Government • Federal Government : • Taxation • Medical Benefits Scheme [GP’s] • Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme • Social Security • Employment Services • Private Health Insurance • National Health and Medical Research Council

  3. Responsibilities of Government • Victorian Government: • Public Hospitals • Mental Health Services • Public Housing • Professional Registration Boards • Local Government: • Home and Community Care • Rates and Planning Issues

  4. Parliament: Your Representatives • Australian: comprising • Senate 12 Senators • House of Representatives 1 Member • Victorian: comprising • Legislative Council 2 MLC • Legislative Assembly 1 MP • Municipality • at least 1 Councillor

  5. How do we contact them? • Each MP has an Electorate office, Staff and Telephone • Councillors can be contacted through the local Municipal Office • You can write, telephone, or visit generally through an appointment

  6. How do we address them? • Verbal: • Mr, Ms, Mrs, Senator • Councillor • Written: • Ministers The Hon John Smith MP Minister for Health Senator the Hon Mary Smith Minister for Health

  7. How do we address them?cont’d • Letter addressed Dear Minister, • MP’s Mr John Smith MP The Hon John Smith MP Dear Mr Smith

  8. Content • Remember: MP’s are there to represent your interests to the Minister, the Government and/or the Department • Do not assume they know about or understand mental illnesses • Personalise your letter • Be clear what it is you want them to do • Request a response

  9. Content cont’d • Follow up if no reply or reply unsatisfactory • If outcome is good write a note of thanks • Write to local newspaper but make sure it is localised • Seek to engage others, friends, neighbours, fellow workers, etc

  10. The wider campaign • Parliamentary Friends of Schizophrenia • MIFA’s Strategy • Lobby Ministers and Shadow Ministers • Use talkback radio, daily papers etc • Copy your letters and replies to MIFV

  11. Conclusion • Your effort does make a difference and it is a worthy cause. • Other consumers and their families are depending on you!

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