Influences on Government Policies in Australia

• Political Parties

  Political parties with different policy stances influence the budget outcome
• Business

  Businesses dedicate significant resources to the lobbying of governments to pursue their own budget agenda
• Unions

  Represent the interests of their workforce, participate in public debates and focus on industrial relations issues
• Environmental Groups

  These organisations conduct research, provide educational information and lobby government and companies about environmental issues
• Welfare Agencies

  Lobby the government in matters of social policy to assist disadvantaged groups
• Media

  Hold influence on public opinions and encourage public debate on government policies
• Interest Groups

  Lobby the government on issues affecting members or supporters. They attempt to change or pressure government into introducing new legislation to achieve their aims
• International

  Influenced by changes in the global business cycle and foreign policies of allied governments