Tactic Guide

   Build the Relationship, Shape the Reform

What’s This All About?

A People-Powered Campaign to Win Strong EPBC Reform

Australia’s environmental laws are being rewritten—this is our moment. The EPBC Act is up for reform, and LEAN has played a pivotal role in getting us here. We secured Labor’s 2018 commitment to overhaul our broken environmental laws and establish a federal Environment Protection Agency (EPA).

We’ve held the party to that promise ever since. While reform stalled in the Senate last term, the Prime Minister has pledged to deliver early this term—and that moment is now. 

The timeline to finalise these reforms is expected by year’s end. That’s fast. And it means every Labor caucus member must hear from us—clearly, relationally, and urgently—about the reforms we believe must be included.

What You’ll Be Doing

The EPBC Act isn’t top of mind for many caucus members. Ministers and Senators may not know what’s in the Act, what’s missing, or why reform is so critical. They may not yet see how it intersects with issues like cost of living, economic resilience, and business certainty.

That’s where you come in—as constituents, as trusted messengers within the Labor Party, and as people who care deeply about nature and justice. Over the next 2 months, across the country, we need LEAN volunteers meeting with their Labor Federal MP and/or Senator—or connecting creatively—to turn values into policy and relationships into reform.

We’re not just lobbying—we’re inviting elected representatives into shared purpose.

We’ve designed creative streams to suit every kind of LEAN member—whether you’re new to MP engagement or a seasoned campaigner. This is your chance to make a tangible impact and show up with heart, clarity, and creativity.

You don’t need to be a policy expert—just bring your story, your care for nature, and your willingness to connect. There’s a role for everyone, and we’ll support you every step of the way.

Pathways for Engagement: Choose Your Stream

We’ve built this tactic with flexibility in mind—so everyone can participate in a way that feels right for them.

 Stream 1: Traditional Meeting (Relational and Direct)

Ideal for those who want to build deeper connections through a scheduled meeting—either in-person or online. This stream is powerful for sharing stories, making direct asks, and building long-term rapport. Follow the steps in your Toolkit to book and prepare.

Stream 2: Creative Connections (Low-Pressure, High-Impact)

Not keen on a formal meeting? No worries. Whether you're remote, time-poor, or just prefer a creative approach, there are powerful ways to connect with your MP or Senator—and every action counts.

Creative tactics include:

• Postcards for Progress Use our templates or design your own nature-themed postcards. Send them to your MP or organise a postcard party with your pod or branch.
•  #EPBCSelfie Take a photo in nature with a sign. Post it on social media, tag your MP, and use hashtags like #LEANforNature.
•  Pledge Tree Deliver a potted native tree to your MP with a personal message. Share a photo of your plant and message online using #LEANforNature #EPBCReform.
•  Nature’s Welcome Basket For many MPs and Senators, this will be their first time connecting with LEAN. Create a bundle with local species cards, a map of special places, and a handwritten note. TIP: Stream 1 folks can use this too—bring it to your meeting or drop it off at their office.

These actions build awareness, spark curiosity, and invite ongoing dialogue. Many MPs respond positively to creative outreach—and it often opens doors for future connection.

No matter your stream, let us know how you’re engaging via the Elected Representative Form. We’ll provide tailored support, resources, and follow-up tips to help you feel confident and connected.

What Support Will LEAN Provide?

 Meeting Your Elected Representative Training

• How to book a meeting
• What to say
• How to share your story and LEAN’s asks
• Role-play practice and confidence building

Relational Organising Training

• How to build trust with MPs and other Labor groups
• How to coordinate with Young Labor, branches, and other action groups
• How to sustain momentum over time

Toolkits & Templates

• Email and phone scripts
• MP profile sheets
• EPBC Fact Sheet
• Social media toolkit
• Creative action ideas

Social Media, Not Mainstream Media

We’re asking volunteers to focus on social media—not mainstream press. This builds visibility without creating pressure that could backfire politically. You’ll receive a mini social media kit to help amplify your action.

Final Thoughts

This campaign is about relational pressure with integrity. We’re not here to shame—we’re here to shift.

By showing up with warmth, clarity, and creativity, we can help Labor MPs and Senators feel the urgency of EPBC reform—and see the leadership opportunity it offers.

Whether you’re in a pod or flying solo, you’re part of a movement that’s growing roots, building relationships, and shaping reform.

Every conversation, every meeting, every story shared brings us closer to the laws our future deserves. Let’s make it happen.