Govcomms: The Future Of Government Communication

Kym has enjoyed an interesting career, beginning as a print journalist in regional New South Wales after a career advisor suggested she was cynical enough to be in the media.  Her career has taken her around the world and given her entre into some of the highest profile political, public safety and disaster response incidents of her generation. She started with the Department of Immigration on the day they opened Woomera Detention Centre, and spent the next six-and-a-half years dealing with a rather dynamic work environment. Kym has since managed a range of impactful campaigns. One of which being the internationally recognised efforts of Queensland Police Services' use of social media as a public information channel in 2010-2011. Kym has always taken an integrated approach to issue and media management, public relations and reputation management, using new and owned media as a crucial and effective plank. These days she is Director of her own public relations and communications agency: The Fasterhorse Company

Dr Michelle Harrison is the global CEO of Kantar Public and the founding CEO of WPP Government and Public Sector Practice. She is responsible for the effectiveness of Kantar Public’s work around the world, and supports the delivery of major projects. Michelle has worked with government and corporate clients in every continent across all aspects of public policy and public affairs. Her career to date has included time in academia, international development, strategy, marketing and social research. She is a Davos speaker, book author and the founder of the WPP Executive Education Programmes in Public Communications and Behaviour Change. She has also led the establishment of WPP Government Practice Hubs in London, Brussels, Sydney, Beirut, Singapore and Nairobi. Discussed in this episode: How great campaigns can fail without adequate research and testing Methods of combining policy and communications Why the best communications outcomes are produced through a united approach Learning to embrace rapid technolog

Nicole has had a passion for communications from a young age. At 13-years old, she developed a taste for the industry through a work experience placement at CLEO magazine. Since then, she has completed an undergraduate and postgraduate qualification in the field, and worked in a variety of communication roles across government, the private sector and the not-for-profit space. Her previous workplaces have included the New South Wales Government, Soldier On Australia and Dimensional Fund Advisors. Today, Nicole works as a professional speechwriter. And she is keenly interested in understanding human cognition, because she believes it’s key to writing speeches that can better influence and persuade.  Nicole also believes that in today’s world, with increasingly complex issues, we need some of the smartest people in the country working in communication... because good communication can help shape and change the world.  Discussed in this episode: JFK and using cognitive understanding to underpin his greatest spee

Michelle graduated from Trinity College, University of Dublin, Ireland in 1991 with an honours degree in Sociology and German, before training as a journalist. She then worked for newspapers and magazines (both political and lifestyle) for more than 20 years, in Ireland, Britain and then Australia. Michelle’s most recent position as a journalist was at The Canberra Times, as editor of the Saturday edition’s news review and analysis section. Michelle later moved into academia, joining the Faculty of Arts & Design at the University of Canberra as a Teaching Fellow in Journalism & Communication in 2011. Here, she educated students on political and strategic communication. She received a Communications doctorate in 2015, for her research into the Australian media's representation of Indigenous opposition to the Northern Territory Emergency Response 2007, also known as the Intervention. Michelle then worked as a researcher for the University of Canberra’s News & Media Research Centre, specialising in m

Kerry McCallum is Director of the News & Media Research Centre at the University of Canberra (UC) where she leads a team of researchers to advance public understanding of our changing media environment. Her research in political communication specialises in the relationships between changing media and Australian social policy, particularly in indigenous affairs. Kerry is a lead professor on the ‘Breaking Silences: Media and the Child Abuse Royal Commission’ project which is the first Australian research document to explore the connection between media and commissions enquiries in the digital era. Kerry is a major contributor to the field of communication and media studies in Australia and internationally, notably as former President of the Australian and New Zealand Communication Association (ANZCA). She is also a member of the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. Kerry has implemented a complex curriculum development and change management process at faculty, university

Brenda is an established communications professional for the U.S public sector. Prior to her role with the Los Angeles County, she held several positions throughout journalism, media, and communications domains.  Brenda graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism). She later worked as a staff reporter and writer for major U.S news and journalism organisations including: The Southern California News Group US Weekly; and The North County Times. Later in her career, Brenda served as the Senior Associate Editor for MPA Media and went on to become the Head of Communications for the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder. Brenda has also garnered several prestigious communications awards throughout her career. These include the FOLIO Award for feature writing, the North American ‘Excellence in Communications’ Award, and multiple accolades for her work in public relations and public affairs. Discussed in this episode: Why communicators need a love for people and storyte

Shannon Kenna is an experienced communications professional, specialising in strategic communications for the public sector. She joined the Treasury in 2015 to manage a major government advertising campaign and has since managed the delivery of five federal budgets. As Division Head of Communications and Parliamentary, she manages a broad program of work, including oversight of a full suite of communication functions. These include media relations, social media, stakeholder engagement, corporate communications, speechwriting, graphic design, publications and web management. Shannon is also responsible for all ministerial and parliamentary business for Treasury. Since beginning her public sector career at the Department of Immigration in 1994, Shannon’s career has included diverse roles in communication and program management. Shannon has also worked in the private sector in Australia and the United Kingdom. Shannon holds a Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) degree, majoring in Management, from the U

Olga Stankova is Special Assistant to the Director of the International Monetary Fund's Communications Department. She currently leads technical assistance and conducts research on economic policy communications, and manages outreach on the Fund’s strategy and policy work. Previously, she was responsible for communications on the World Economic Outlook and the Global Financial Stability Report. Prior to that, she was Senior Press Officer for all of the countries of the Former Soviet Union, along with several countries in Europe and the Middle East. She also worked at the European Central Bank during the global financial crisis. Olga previously served as Director of Marketing with Russian investment bank Troika Dialog and as Chief of the Banking and Investment Division of the United States Agency for International Development in Moscow. She has recently released her latest work: Frontiers of Economic Policy Communications, which highlights the emerging importance of effective communication to successful polic

Caroline Fisher is the Assistant Professor in Journalism at the University of Canberra. In 2014, she completed her PhD, which examined the career transition between journalism and parliamentary media advising. Prior to perusing further studies at the university, Caroline was a producer, reporter and presenter for ABC News and Radio National. She has also acted as a ministerial media advisor to Anna Bligh, the former Premier of Queensland. Caroline is an expert in journalism and political communication. In 2018, she received the Anne Dunn Scholar Award for her research work in communications. She also received the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in teaching in 2014 and again in 2017. Caroline is the co-author of the annual Digital News Report-Australia, and has published several peer-reviewed articles on her research into politics, media, trust and communications. Discussed in this episode: Why it’s harder than ever to earn trust Journalism suffering the trust deficit Defining trust: the many pieces of

Caroline Fisher is the Assistant Professor in Journalism at the University of Canberra. In 2014, she completed her PhD, which examined the career transition between journalism and parliamentary media advising. Prior to perusing further studies at the university, Caroline was a producer, reporter and presenter for ABC News and Radio National. She has also acted as a ministerial media advisor to Anna Bligh, the former premier of Queensland. Caroline is an expert in journalism and political communication. In 2018, she received the Anne Dunn Scholar Award for her research work in communications. She also received the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in teaching in 2014 and again in 2017. Caroline is the co-author of the annual Digital News Report-Australia, and has published several peer-reviewed articles on her research into politics, media, trust and communications.  Discussed in this episode: Australia: now the lightest news consumers The factors leading to a low news satisfaction What the latest trends

Tanya is a communications and brand professional with over 20 years’ experience. Her wide range of skills relate to communications and branding strategy, public relations, issues management, stakeholder communications and government liaison. Tanya has led communications for organisations in both public and private sectors. Prior to managing corporate affairs at the CSIRO, Tanya was the General Manager of Communications at Destination NSW. Her prior roles have also seen her lead functions across Japan, Asia Pacific, the United Kingdom and Europe, working both client and agency side. Discussed in this episode: Making the shift from private to public Advice on managing ministerial transitions Tanya’s take on the most effective communications channels The importance of having a clear purpose Dealing with message saturation Using powdered broccoli lattes to achieve strategic objectives The benefits of collaboration and how to identify valuable opportunities Capitalising on the demand for video How Tanya measures

Conrad is Director of the GREAT Britain campaign. GREAT is the government’s most ambitious international campaign ever run, uniting the efforts of both public and private sectors to generate jobs and growth for Britain. Conrad also leads the UK Government’s Year of Marketing initiative, which aims to inform and prepare communicators across departments.  In 2014, Conrad’s role at the Prime Minister’s Office on 10 Dowling St expanded to include responsibility for delivering major cross-government campaigns, and ensuring Government’s spending on communications is efficient and cost-effective. Conrad has also previously worked at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office as Head of Public Diplomacy and Strategic Campaigns; and the Central Office of Information, on issues such as consumer rights and international export. He later joined the Cabinet Office as Director of Strategic Communications. Here, he launched a new approach to Government Communication and was responsible for campaigns to counter terrorism and oth

Conrad is Director of the GREAT Britain campaign. GREAT is the UK Government’s most ambitious international campaign ever run, uniting the efforts of both public and private sectors to generate jobs and growth for Britain. The GREAT brand has a current value of 271 million pounds and has received 69 national and international awards to date. In 2014, Conrad’s role at the Prime Minister’s Office on 10 Downing St expanded to include responsibility for delivering major cross-government campaigns, and ensuring government’s spending on communications is efficient and cost-effective. Conrad has also previously worked at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office as Head of Public Diplomacy and Strategic Campaigns; and the Central Office of Information, on issues such as consumer rights and international export. He later joined the Cabinet Office as Director of Strategic Communications. Here, he launched a new approach to government communication and was responsible for campaigns to counter terrorism and other societal

Craig has 25 years’ experience in the digital industry and is passionate about boosting organisational performance through the use of digital strategies and tools. Craig has previously managed and created start-up companies, and served in a variety of senior roles in both government and private sectors. Throughout his professional career, Craig has led national digital projects, designed innovative products, hosted stakeholder engagement initiatives, and coordinated the development of hundreds of websites. He has also trained thousands globally on how to maximise their social media engagement. Craig’s current role with Accenture focuses on supporting clients to respond, manage and create value from digital disruptions. His previous work as an advocate for Digital Government (Gov 2.0) has given him an appreciation for work relating to government and health industries. Discussed in this episode: Craig’s background and passion for digital The role of data in modern communications Room for improvement regarding

Nick is the Head of Strategy and Communications at The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA). Nick graduated from the University of Melbourne with his Postgraduate Diploma of Editing and Communications in 2008. He has since filled a range of communications roles within the medical and pharmaceutical industry. Nick has worked in a range of areas, from communications research to media and strategy. He has recently been recognised by the International Association of Business Communicators for his campaign with the SHPA. Nick received a Gold Quill Merit Award for change communication, relating to his campaign titled ‘A New Prescription: Elevating Australia’s Leading Pharmacists’. The campaign involved multiple communication channels including social media, email and radio; and produced a range of positive outcomes for the SHPA. Discussed in this episode: The importance of having a clear objective Driving organisational change The challenges and learnings from Nick’s campaign The power of tone in me

Brent joined the South Australian Tourism Commission in November 2015 as a marketing communications specialist with experience in advertising, digital, public relations, sponsorship and communications across the banking, retail and telecommunications sectors. Brent has been responsible for overseeing $1.6 billion growth in the visitor economy. He played a key role in launching the new global brand for South Australia and coordinated two global television campaigns and multiple digital programs that now see the southaustralia.com attracting over 6 million visitors annually. Brent has also managed several successful marketing partnerships with platforms such as the Project, MasterChef Australia and Sports Illustrated. In 2018, Brent was recognized as #21 on the CMO50 list of Australia’s top marketers and will be speaking about public sector strategic communication in Canberra this May. Discussed in this episode: Getting recognised as a top 50 CMO Being digital native, and taking risks in government Creating a

Mark Hocknell has over 25 years of experience in corporate management, consulting and academia. He has completed his Masters degree in Business Administration at the Queensland University of Technology and has developed two business courses which he has now been teaching for 8 years. Beyond Mark’s experience teaching and consulting, he is also a member of the Industry Advisory Board Griffith University. Mark has an established skill-set relating to performance measurement processes and evidence-based leadership. In 2015, Mark was appointed the Australasian partner for PuMP, a performance measurement process employed globally by over 40 organisations. Mark consistently runs workshops and speaks publicly about the importance of evidence-based approaches to outcome measurement. He will be in several cities throughout May, hosting workshops on how communicators can better measure outcome-based approaches in Government. Discussed in this episode: The essential steps required for measuring an outcome Learning to d

Eleanor is the General Manager of Outreach and Capacity Building at the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). She has worked in a range of management roles, from strategic marketing and communication to Director of public affairs. Her previous places of employment include the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Australian Tax Office and Department of Environment and Heritage. A communications honours graduate from the University of Canberra, Eleanor has worked in public affairs and communications for the Australian Government for more than 23 years, on a range of issues including heritage, pollution, natural resource management, biodiversity, arts, education and training and superannuation. One of Eleanor’s more recent campaigns has been broadcast on the SBS Food Network, aiming to promote awareness about the ACIAR. The television program titled "The Good Cooks" sent influencers to key ACIAR sites and aimed to promote current initiatives. The program was massively successful reaching

Jenny is an experienced producer of data management systems and data dashboard solutions for social change. Her skills relate to co-design, delivery and evaluation of collaborations, working with complex and wicked social problems. These include poverty, homelessness, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and development, school to work transitions and school readiness in vulnerable communities. Jenny has over 20 years’ experience in the social sector and has previously worked for leading NGO’s such as Oxfam and Plan International. She currently works as a Digital Transformation Lead at Clear Horizon, and is a Non Executive Director at Eating Disorders Victoria. She is trained in a range of reporting and communication formats to engage and mobilise communities and stakeholders. She is also a sought-after facilitator and trainer working to improve knowledge and skills in the areas of design and evaluation, especially in cross-sector collaborations. Discussed in this episode: The importance of simplicit

Jo’Anne Langham is an experienced independent consultant with a strong background working in public policy. Her capabilities include human-centred design, statistical data analysis, and public administration. Jo’Anne holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) focused on economic psychology - tax compliance at the University of Queensland. She formerly worked as a Senior Director of Corporate Research and Intelligence at the Australian Taxation Office where she created a professional social research capability. She has also acted as a Governance Review Lead responsible for managing stakeholder relationships and the design of new operating models. Jo’Anne’s latest Ph.D. work has investigated citizen experience measurement from a public sector perspective. Her framework titled ‘XE Heuristics’ looks at measuring the effectiveness of client and citizen focussed design. Discussed in this episode: The origins of citizen focused experience design Government adoption of a citizen-focussed approach The importance of measuri