THE SHELLISSUE 17 Autumn 2021 AUSTR A LI A'S CHANGING POLITICAL LANDSCAPE W MEN FIND THEIR VOICE

1 Welcome to the autumn edition of The Shell for 2021. Spring is meant to be the season of renewal and regrowth, yet here we are deep into autumn and in at least it feels like we have emerged from a long dark winter of COVID discontent. How a group of Sydney I was fortunate to attend the Australian Football League’s annual ANZAC Day match last Sunday with another 78,000 residents took on the might or so spectators at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. It was the largest sporting crowd anywhere in the world since the of the Australian Defence coronavirus pandemic forced major sporting events to be played before empty stands. Force and won Whether they were on the winning or losing side (I was on the latter) every person I spoke to post-match was thrilled that proper footy was back. For Melburnians – who suffered the longest lockdown of any group of Australians – the feeling of joy was palpable. Change was in the air – something that is not isolated to sport in Australia. The last few months have seen the issues of workplace gender equity and sexual harassment and violence against women front and centre in Australia. There is a real sense that positive change is afoot. Managing Partner, Kathy Lindsay, examines a simple way voters can increase female political representation in her piece Benjamin Haslem, Managing and on page 14. The issue of increased female representation in Federal Parliament, particularly on the conservative benches, Founding Partner will be one of the burning issues in the lead up to the next Federal Election, due before the middle of next year but On page 18, Dr. Mallory Peak and Shireen Khinda from our Spokane, which could be held as early as this October. United States-based IPREX affiliate, DH, explain how the Washington State Department of Health ensures priority communities receive accurate Our Chairman, John Wells, argues on page 12 that trust will be information about vaccinations and COVID-19 prevention behaviours. Wendy McCarthy being interviewed by the ABC the biggest determinant of the election and that more than ever before people want leaders they can trust to deliver on You can learn about what our other IPREX partners have been up to in our Wells Haslem Mayhew helped a group a residents in Sydney in a successful David-and-Goliath battle promises. John also recalls his time as press secretary to then regular IPREX global update on pages 22 and 23. Federal Leader, Andrew Peacock, who died on 16 with Defence, stopping the construction of a giant electrical sub-station just metres from children’s Thank you for reading our latest edition of The Shell and thank you to our April. Read John’s reminiscences on page 10. clients, who make it all possible. bedrooms. Benjamin Haslem and Mark Rapaport explain. To get us in the election mood, on page 8 our Benjamin Haslem affiliate, Martine Haley, places a lens over Apple Isle politics It was a few days shy of Christmas 2019, many Sydneysiders seeking details of the proposed substation and various other Managing and Founding Partner ahead of the State’s 1 May election. already sliding into holiday mode, bushfire smoke shrouding the information including the health implications of its electro- city’s harbour. magnetic field and the fate of the two huge, significant ficus Talking Tassie, on page 6 Senior Account Executive, Mark trees on the site. Rapaport, writes about how Tasmanian art gallery MONA At a block of eight art-deco apartments in Potts Point, called for Indigenous Australians to give their blood for an overlooking the Garden Island Royal Australian Navy base, The secretary’s letter sought an assurance that no work should artwork but failed to properly consult the very community it someone was stuffing a single-page, 17-line leaflet into the commence until he had received a reply. thought it was helping, sparking a crisis. building’s letterboxes. The secretary received no response until 11 January when Mark also pens a piece with me on page 3, where we recount Its contents would stun and anger those living there – many Department emailed him simply to say it would be replying to how Wells Haslem Mayhew helped a group of Sydney residents in a successful David-and-Goliath battle with Defence. successful and high-profile individuals from Sydney’s political, his letter the following week. legal, arts and finance sectors – and bring together strange This was a smokescreen for what followed the next day when On page 24, Account Executive, Caitlin Stevens, writes about bedfellows from across the political spectrum. the Public Relations Institute of Australia’s Young Guns and the two trees adjacent to the apartments were cut down and why it is important to support our PR leaders of the future. While many apartment residents had already decamped for removed. their summer break, the few still there were suddenly made Caitlin also profiles Wells Haslem Mayhew client Youth Finally, on 14 January, 23 days after the secretary’s letter of aware that in less than a month a major redevelopment was due Insearch on page 16 and its recent third annual successful concern, the Department replied to some but not all the matters to commence a few metres from their balconies. social media campaign to highlight its fight against youth raised. That was also the day that mechanical digging equipment suicide. But even then, so vague were the 17 lines deposited on 20 began work on the site. December, they were not entirely aware of just what Defence Account Manager, Stav Pisk, recently attended the annual At a subsequent meeting with Defence, the strata committee IPREX Emerging Leaders Conference, which was conducted had in mind – though it was clear an electrical substation of was made aware for the first time that the substation would online due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Read about the some sort was planned. virtual get together on page 20. be four-storeys high and that it would be almost within spitting As soon as residents received the leaflet, the secretary of the distance of their balconies. building’s strata committee wrote to the Defence Department 2 3 Their building had been constructed We prepared a comprehensive advocacy and discussed possible approaches to A rebrand to better in 1927, fronting onto the water with document, putting the residents’ case to achieving a successful outcome for our harbour views to match. By 1946 with government and the media. clients. reflect a modern the linking of Garden Island to the At the heart of the advocacy was the Residents also used their extensive mainland, the block faced directly onto appalling lack of consultation with the political contacts to write to local organisation the base, and overlooked a small sports residents – virtually none – undertaken Federal Labor MP, , and field lined with trees. Many of the by Defence until the very last minute. the Federal Liberal MP for the nearby residents had purchased or moved into electorate of Wentworth, the building with the full knowledge The advocacy cited the fact that Defence MP. Both local MPs raised their concerns that they lived next to a working naval told the Federal Parliamentary Joint Australia’s second-oldest charity – and a Wells Haslem Mayhew client – has changed its name. with Minister Price. base, but never expected to have a Standing Committee on Public Works at Managing and Founding Partner, Benjamin Haslem, examines the reasons why. large, loud substation to replace the a public meeting on 11 May 2018 that WHM presented the case to a senior open field, and particularly without they had undertaken routine extensive adviser to a Senate crossbencher, who consultation. community consultations. then put questions on notice about the The Wells Haslem Mayhew team “And once they do, it’s just as easy for more than 50 years at North Rocks in Garden Island redevelopment to the has had the pleasure of working Western Sydney to a new Centre of With five children living in the The apartment block’s residents were them to understand all the ways in which Defence Department at a Parliamentary with the Royal Institute for Deaf Excellence in Vision and Hearing at apartment block, residents were also told through political contacts that we support them and their families.” Committee hearing. and Blind Children (RIDBC) over the Macquarie University. anxious about the health effects of MPs and Senators on the Joint Standing In describing the genesis of the new past six months, helping its team such a large substation, never mind the Committee – which approved the project WHM contacted the ABC’s Defence name, Chris said Next signalled the The North Rocks site is no longer able to communicate with the Australian and fact their views across the base toward – had toured the site in 2018 but were not Correspondent, Andrew Greene, who organisation’s ongoing commitment to provide an environment that supports NSW Governments. glimpses of Sydney Harbour were also shown the site nor told that a substation reported on the residents’ battle, innovation at every level of service. contemporary, targeted services that blocked or compromised. was planned. interviewing Wendy, and another The RIDBC, Australia’s second oldest meet the needs of children and adults “We're here to break down barriers, and resident and her young children about charity, took the bold step of changing with vision or hearing loss, their families But what made residents angriest was Defence told the Parliamentary work with our clients and their families the fears caused by the substation in a its name to NextSense, to better and the professionals who support the quick realisation that Defence had Committee that community to achieve whatever they want to. story that aired on the main 7pm ABC TV reflect the organisation it is today and them. undertaken an 18-month community consultations included advertisements News in Sydney. the organisation it will be in the future. “And Sense embraces not only both consultation process, which extended placed in newspapers, 14,000 The Centre of Excellence will be an hearing and vision, but the intelligence, as far afield as Neutral Bay on the newsletters placed in letter boxes (as far The residents and WHM used their As NextSense President, David Dinte, incubator for world-leading innovation empathy and understanding it takes to opposite shore of the Harbour, but had afield as Neutral Bay) and invitations for corporate networks to bring the issue explained NextSense “has been at the and best practice, leveraging enhance the future. apparently forgotten to tell them what private briefings sent to members of the to the attention of companies involved forefront of helping people in Australia technological insights from the was planned directly opposite their public. in critical decisions surrounding the with vision and hearing loss. “But our clients will still get everything university and facilitating partnerships homes. possible relocation of the substation. they need from us, and more. Our between industry, government and But according to Wendy McCarthy no “This iconic charity has grown to services won’t change. Our people won’t other organisations. It was around this time that Wells residents or owners in the block of To Defence’s credit, they appointed two become Australia’s largest non- change. Our dedication and commitment Haslem Mayhew (WHM) was contacted apartments closest to the substation or senior officials to work with all parties to government provider of education, The Centre will allow NextSense won’t change.” by resident, founding member of the surrounding apartments ever received produce a satisfactory outcome. The two health, disability and cochlear implant to co-locate and collaborate with Women’s Electoral Lobby and former leaflets or invitations from Defence and men won plaudits from the residents for services for children and adults with Wells Haslem Mayhew helped NextSense Macquarie University, the Australian Deputy Chair of the ABC, Wendy were therefore unaware of a community their professionalism. vision or hearing loss, their families and with the rebrand launch event, liaising Hearing Hub, Cochlear Ltd, Hearing McCarthy, seeking our help. consultation meeting for locals in May Defence presented the residents the professionals who support them.” with the office of the NSW Premier to Australia and a cluster of research, 2018. secure a pre-recorded video of support education, audiology, and healthcare Wendy spoke for the residents of with five options for the substation’s NextSense Chief Executive, Chris Rehn, from Premier Gladys Berejiklian, which providers. the building, who were unanimous A preliminary report prepared for relocation and asked them to nominate said the new brand would “better was played on the day. and united in their opposition to the residents by an environmental two they would be satisfied with. reflect who we are as an organisation”. NextSense plans to be operating from development. assessment and management consultant The work of NextSense has never been the new Centre of Excellence by 2023. In late August, Defence informed the “Over the last 160 years we have cautioned that the very high levels of more important. The group of residents included urban residents that the substation would be significantly expanded our services electro-magnetic energy generated by planners, architects, lifelong activists, moved to a location that satisfied all and broadened to support people with Evidence suggests 1 in 6 Australians are a substation of the type proposed, built lawyers, major strata managers and parties. hearing loss of all ages,” Chris said. affected by hearing loss and 1 in 40 is so close to residences, posed potential senior corporate executives, among blind or has low vision. health risks, particularly for children – The residents were understandably “To continue to reach people when and others. If there was a building for with links to leukemia. relieved. Their campaign provides an where they need us, it’s time to tell our These numbers are projected to increase Defence to take on, this was not it. excellent case study of how putting whole story in a simple, uncomplicated dramatically, with over one million The strata committee wrote to the Each team member brought their own a strong case to government, while way,” he said. people expected to be living with vision Defence Minister, Senator Linda set of skills and networks to the task, taking account of all the stakeholders loss and 7.8 million expected to have Reynolds, who passed their concerns “We are creating a brand that unites all and WHM helped guide the residents’ involved, with some gentle prodding hearing loss by 2060. to the Minister for Defence Industry, parts of the organisation. By doing so, government and public relations from the media, can achieve the desired Melissa Price MP. WHM spoke several we make it far easier for clients to find NextSense hasn’t just changed its name. efforts. outcomes. times with an adviser in Ms Price’s office us when and where they needs us. It also plans to move from its home of 4 5 When a CEO's apology is not enough - how

consultation and The project will be cancelled. We maybe even when they fully believe apologise to all First Nations people they’re trying to do the right thing – and inclusion can avoid a PR for any hurt that has been caused. We that the only thing that will fix it is more are sorry." complete inclusion. crisis By then, however, it was too late. We have seen similar calls for structural Already in the online and media reform when it comes to addressing backlash, it was clear that Aboriginal women’s issues in Federal Parliament artists and their allies demanded and specific parties, such as introducing more and a Change.org petition began quotas for women in winnable seats for circling titled ‘Blak-list MONA’. The the Liberal Party. petition was signed by prominent These moves may not fix the issue Australian artists, refusing to work entirely; the Labor Party has had quotas with MONA and Dark Mofo again until in place for decades yet has faced recent their demands were met for complete criticism over its treatment of women – structural reform. The petition but they move towards an understanding signalled a tired, angry Indigenous that if there are more people in a space community that had endured enough Senior Account Executive, Mark that truly ‘get it’, then there may be a apologies and powerful words, backed Rapaport chance at changing culture and avoiding by little tangible change. mistakes of the past. The petition demanded: The MONA controversy demonstrated 1. An apology for Union Flag and past that a work attempting to portray the works, as well as for damaging powerlessness of a community actually Aboriginal heritage sites during demonstrated its true power in raising When Tasmanian art gallery MONA put out a call for Indigenous Australians to give their blood for the construction of MONA its voice and demanding change. It serves as a reminder for institutions, 2. Mandatory cultural awareness an artwork, it saw it as a well-meaning move to criticise the British Empire. Yet, as Senior Account businesses and organisations to embark training for all MONA staff on a process of full consultation and ExecutiveMark Rapaport writes, a lack of consultation and representation meant that the move was members including the director inclusion in order to truly serve the and owner entirely at odds with the very community it thought it was serving, and the backlash demonstrated communities they seek to represent. the high stakes of failing to engage. 3. Appointing a majority-Indigenous advisory board for MONA’s public programs and exhibitions In the past, an apology may have worked to save reputational "We want your blood", read their post on Instagram, announcing damage. A CEO’s tearful press conference, a statement with a work by Spanish artist Santiago Sierra in which he would collect 4. Developing a Reconciliation Action carefully chosen language, or a general commitment to doing the blood of Indigenous peoples via a medically supervised Plan better was enough to weather the media storm. However, with procedure, in order to soak the Union Jack in their blood. 5. Appointing multiple Indigenous increased focus and attention on systemic causes of issues like In a later apology for the work, MONA’s founder David Walsh curators to MONA racism, sexism, homophobia or any other institutional misstep, said he thought the work would "appeal to the usual leftie activists and loud voices are demanding full-scale structural 6. A commitment to funding more demographic", as it was critical of colonisation and highlighted reform to avoid repeats, rather than just words. Tasmanian Aboriginal artworks as the violence of empire. In reality, the onslaught of opposition reparations ’s MONA art museum is used to courting controversy. to the work, primarily led by the Aboriginal community, When sending a postcard from their gallery shop recently, I demonstrated that it was anything but helpful to their cause. The demands were designed to ensure found it hard to find one that didn’t display animal entrails, that Indigenous concerns remained In one of the most liked comments on the work’s Instagram post, graphic violence or scenes that would shock any postie, and that permanently front and centre in one Indigenous artist wrote "what a way to reveal that there was before entering the actual gallery. MONA and that objections would be are no First Nations folks in your curatorial/consulting teams’. listened to, rather than continuing MONA’s winter Dark Mofo festival has previously featured an Others wrote; ‘We already gave enough blood’ and ‘This is a big the perennial cycle of mistakes and artist being locked underground for days, attendees watching opportunity for education and growth- what’s the plan @dark_ apologies. a recording of an artist setting themselves on fire and another mofo? #accountability". beating a computer-generated man to death. Communities are becoming more fully Days later, after much silence and a bungled attempt to double aware that organisations that lack Despite their experience in shocking patrons, when they down, Dark Mofo released an apology and cancelled the work, representation and fail to meaningfully announced the major work for their Dark Mofo festival, they writing "We made a mistake, and take full responsibility. engage will continue to make the same were not prepared for the onslaught that would follow. mistakes – maybe with fresh colours, 6 7 Tassie Liberals hoping then replaced with Sam Mitchell who But it doesn’t end there. Fellow Clark to ride wave of COVID later had to publicly apologise for MP was first elected posting crude Facebook posts involving to Parliament as a Labor candidate in success at 1 May sex toys and a crucifix – but he kept his 2014. She lost in the 2018 election, but candidature. was re-elected on a recount following a resignation. election At the 2018 election Labor had a key policy to remove poker machines from The Right faction Labor MP was never all pubs and clubs. It was met with a popular within her own ranks and went well-financed campaign by the hotel back into the House of Assembly as lobby opposing the measure. an Independent, often voting with the Liberals. A week into this year’s campaign and it was revealed Labor had quietly dropped But it’s not over yet. Just days after calling the policy leading to cries the party had the election, Mr Gutwein announced Ms sold out. Ogilvie would be standing as a Liberal in the seat of Clark. But it hasn’t all been about Labor, the Liberals had to ask one of its candidates, What’s not to love about Tassie politics? Tasmania Affiliate, Martine Haley Dean Ewington to stand down after it was revealed he attended an anti lock down rally in Melbourne and Braddon candidate and former MP Adam Brooks is facing firearm charges relating to the storage of his clay target gun. So the long and the short of it is the The Tasmanian election has been called a year earlier than expected. Wells Haslem Mayhew Greens appear to be the true opposition, Tasmania Affiliate, Martine Haley, takes us through the twists and turns of politics in the island managing to hold the Government to account and meticulously representing state. their base. With just two Green MPs in the 25 seat House of Assembly, they punch above On 1 May, Tasmanian Liberal Premier will be But he is from the centre or right faction and once had the their weight and probably can expect to hoping he can “do a McGowan” and blitz the State poll by riding audacity to complain on social media that he couldn’t get a win back some of the anti poker machine on popular support for the way he handled COVID-19. coffee on a public holiday.....unions decried his outburst as “anti- vote which went to Labor at the last worker” and anti-public-holiday penalty rates. election. The election was called in March, more than a year ahead of its due date in March 2022 and caught the Labor Opposition flat Ms White was slow to act but eventually stepped in and insisted A Tasmanian election wouldn’t be footed. on Mr Winter being preselected, and he was. Tasmanian unless it had quirks. The short campaign started badly for Labor. Opposition Leader The background noise regarding Mr Winter is that he is seen as Clark (previously Denison) MP had a shocking first two weeks with factional having the credentials to become a future leader. was elected as a Liberal at the 2018 election, but on the first sitting day did infighting leaving her bruised. Politics being what it is neither Ms White, nor her treasury a deal with Labor and the Greens to get Ms White is a key member of Labor’s Left faction and its spokesman David O’Byrne appear to like the idea of another the speakership and pipped the Liberal administrative wing is dominated by the left. ambitious and capable contender. candidate as a result. Her relationship with her own party since was fractious With an urgent need to preselect candidates, the party machine Public outcry forced Ms White’s hand. at best. went into overdrive and supported factional allies, leaving However, Tasmania’s unusual Hare-Clark electoral system of five arguably the most popular potential Labor candidate other than Just days before Mr Gutwein called the electorates with five members per electorate, means Mr Winter Ms White sidelined. election, he publicly declared Ms Hickey and Mr O’Byrne are both vying for Labor votes in the seat of would not be preselected again as a , the mayor of Kingborough, an outer Hobart Franklin. Liberal. municipality, is a popular figure having secured a huge majority Another Labor candidate, Ben McGregor was forced to quit in Ms Hickey said she would stand as an at the last local government election. He is seen as an up and the first two weeks of the campaign after it was revealed he had independent instead, which gave Mr comer with backing from at least three former Labor Premiers. sent crude and offensive texts to a fellow Labor member, he was Gutwein the trigger to call an election as his one seat majority was now gone. 8 9 Andrew Peacock:

he promised much Australia’s international standing was country was seen through the prism of enhanced. style and personal appeal…and not policy engagement. but fell short But the showdown was destined to happen. In 1982 Peacock challenged Fraser for From my perspective, his elevation to the the prime ministership with his strongest leadership of the Liberal Party when he supporter, Senator Reg Withers, declaring: toppled John Howard in 1989, (for whom I “The colt from Kooyong has embarked also worked as press secretary), was always on a journey for the jugular.” Peacock a reflection on the poor judgement of was soundly defeated, 54-27, and, in the those small handful of colleagues who were process, Howard emerged as the party’s instrumental in putting him into the job. deputy leader, an omen of future trouble Their view was that Peacock’s style and for Peacock. grace would prevail over Howard’s dogged “After the 1983 election defeat Peacock policy work and commitment to good became leader, Howard his deputy. This government for all Australians. Howard was was a daunting job as the party struggled a policy man; Peacock was gracious and full with its loss. Peacock displayed a skill and of style. It was never going to succeed. So it Chairman, John Wells resilience that surprised many, holding the turned out to be. party together during the zenith of Hawke’s Notwithstanding his personable and decent popularity and running an effective 1984 qualities, Peacock’s grasp on policy and election campaign, a campaign he was commitment to policy reform were largely never going to win. The following year, non-existent. No more typified by one however, Peacock’s lack of tactical skill was single event – of which there were many exposed when in a bizarre series of events – on a flight to Cairns in not he forced a showdown with Howard, failed long after his elevation to the leadership in to remove his deputy and, as a result, Andrew Peacock (left) with his former political rival John Howard in 2010 Picture: Amos Aikman / Newspix 1989. resigned the leadership. For the Liberals the On 16 April, Andrew Peacock, former Liberal leader and minister in three governments but never his story of the 1980s became the protracted We were sitting together on the plane and Howard-Peacock rivalry, and it consumed discussing the events planned in Cairns. I own, passed away in his adopted home of Austin, Texas. Our chairman John Wells remembers the the party. told him there would be a gaggle of media at the airport and that we would do a quick man he worked for in the late eighties and early nineties. “In 1989, encouraged by a core group “door stop” news conference with a focus of backers, Peacock deposed Howard, Andrew Sharp Peacock was a beacon of hope for the future of the fact that he was light on policy and lacked the killer instinct on issues relating to far north Queensland. returned to the leadership but succumbed the Liberal Party from the moment he entered Federal Politics that reaching the prime ministership required. He was comfortable with that. in 1966. again to Hawke at the 1990 election, the As Paul Kelly, long-time press gallery journalist, columnist, Labor leader’s fourth and last victory. When I began to go through the briefing In the 1960s, Peacock’s future as a leader in the Liberal Party editor and editor at large wrote on his passing: “As a politician These events offered deep insights into notes on the key policy issues for a speech was just gathering pace. He was a Liberal Party member at Peacock had appeal, style and presence; as a man he was Peacock, who never pursued politics with that night at a Liberal Party dinner, he said; 16, Liberal candidate at 22, president of the Young Liberals at engaging, generous and decent. For much of his career the remorseless drive of Fraser or Howard “don’t worry about that Wellsy it’s the 23, president of the Victorian division at 26, the successor to Peacock appeared ahead of his time, yet towards the end nor shared their tenacity on policy,” Kelly same old stuff, I’m fine.” Menzies at 27 and a federal minister at 30. At that stage the Australia seemed to have moved beyond the leadership he wrote. My immediate thought was that if the very mention of his name generated excitement in the party offered." aircraft had been on the ground, I’d have and the broader Victorian community. I got to know Peacock very well when I “Having succeeded Sir Robert Menzies in 1966 in the seat of worked for John Howard from 1987 until got out and walked away. I realised then I There was a sense in which this young brash “would be leader” Kooyong, Peacock was forever stamped with the aura of being the time Peacock deposed him as leader in was wasting my time. would sweep all before him in his rush to parliament and a future prime minister, but his career can only be understood 1989. I then worked directly with Andrew And as they say in the classics, the rest is onto the leadership and then, possibly one day to the Prime in the context of his prolonged rivalry with Malcolm Fraser and Peacock as his press secretary from 1989 history. John Howard went on to become Minister’s office. then with John Howard. While Peacock failed to achieve the until after the 1990 election loss. Prime Minister and Peacock ended up highest office this disappointment rarely afflicted him, and he Unfortunately for Peacock he spent a long time travelling but as Australia’s Ambassador to the United lived a fulfilled life,” Kelly wrote. Within that short period, it became quite never really arrived. Two goes as leader of the Liberal Party, obvious to me why he never reached the States. It was a fitting end to more than a two attempts at election wins – 1984 and 1990 but both times “Peacock served as foreign minister during 1975-80, the first heights of prime minster, as was expected decade of hostilities between Peacock and beaten by a wily Bob Hawke. two terms of the Fraser government. Despite their differences, of him. Howard. their professionalism made for a competent but contrasting Peacock was debonair, classy and a real ladies’ man, but also double act. It was not without its advantages — Fraser was grit While we got on famously together and got on very well with men, he was always the life of the party. and determination, Peacock charming and a master of soft power. had a very strong working relationship, He was well liked by his colleagues but this never made up for his desperation for leadership of the 10 11 Politics is all

about trust Community trust has declined in many public institutions including business, journalism and the law, not just politics, reflecting a view about whether they are working in the public interest. When Howard framed the 2004 election around trust, he was being deliberately provocative. He'd been accused of lying over children overboard, so he confronted that by saying who do you trust to deliver to fellow Australians (this chimed with research that voters saw him as a persistent bloke who worked hard to get through). So, trust was about who gets the job done.

Morrison got a hammering for not Chairman, John Wells being on the job during the bushfires, as people expected. His stocks went up because he's applied himself to handling the pandemic, though there is the perception that the vaccination roll out has been mismanaged. That brings me back to John Howard. I The more things change, the more things stay the same. Chairman John Wells looks back believe the next federal election will be fought on trust. Not just which party is at the 2004 election and surmises that now, like then, voters decide elections based on trusted to rebuild our economy after a who they trust. pandemic and a recession. But who can be trusted to ensure Australia remains a Former Prime Minister John Howard said in August 2004, when Albanese on the other hand still does not appear to have the strong independent country free from calling an election for October that year: “who do you trust to trust of his colleagues to be able to lead them to a successful coercions, infiltration and spying by keep the economy strong and protect family living standards”. election win. foreign countries. Howard said it would be a decision for voters about who they Overlaying this is the simmering lack of trust in the community More than ever before we want trusted most to look after Australia and its economic future. about how politicians and governments in general manage leadership that we can trust to deliver their own affairs and keep their own house in order – on all these serious issues. "This election, ladies and gentlemen, will be about trust," he Parliament House. told journalists. You only have to look at the hopeless way the government Well, in the intervening years, politics and life have become has managed the alleged sexual assault of a young woman in even more about trust. Parliament House, and the alleged rape allegation made by The electorate did not trust former Labor leader Bill Shorten a now deceased young woman against the Attorney General in the 2019 election when he promised to deny many retirees . their franking credits and retirement savings. It seems a lack of trust is not confined to Australian politics. And some voters may fear will introduce a Recently in London a young woman was murdered allegedly by similar policy if he is elected. That’s despite the fact Labor has a police officer, while she was walking home through Clapham walked away from the policy. Common. Prime Minister lost the trust and respect of the At a massive vigil held for the young woman in London, one electorate when he had a holiday in Hawaii while the rest of sign read,“ If we can’t trust police, who can we trust?” the country was ablaze with bushfires. Indeed, who can we trust. The Australian people want to trust their Since then, Morrison and his government managed the global politicians and their community leaders to do the right thing by pandemic well and Morrison himself regained the trust of the the whole community, the country and the economy, not just for a electorate. handful of whingers and whiners who continually bellow that they are not getting enough or aren’t being looked after or protected. 12 13 Voting below the line a possible solution to safest Coalition seat) is unlikely to make If a voter wanted to ensure they are only According to the report on The new Senate Federal Parliament’s a difference. Similarly, people running in voting for a specific group of Senate voting system and the 2016 election by Dr unwinnable spots in the Senate traditionally candidates, for example specific women Damon Muller, “the changes did not arrest gender imbalance don’t get elected. candidates regardless of parties or the trend of fewer voters giving their first positions on the voting paper, the voter preferences to the major political parties in Partial Preferential Voting (PPV) in the can break the sequence after voting for the the Senate election. Senate may be a way to transform women of their choosing (as long as the unwinnable seats to more winnable ones if However, many of those who gave their first six are sequential) then skip a number more of the electorate who want increased first preference to minor parties also and complete other boxes ensuring there is female representation vote “below the line” preferenced one of the major parties a number in at least 12 boxes and the first rather than “above the line”, where the with their second and third preferences. six are sequential. political party decides who gets the vote. While the 2016 Senate election resulted Alternatively, a voter may choose to only in a record crossbench, much of this is With the introduction of PPV, there was a place a number in the boxes besides women attributable to the reduced quota due to higher national rate of below the line voting candidates, again in order of preference. the double dissolution. Yet even under a in May 2019. This trend is likely to continue in normal half-Senate election, a number of the next election, due by May 2022, as more For example, on the NSW Senate ballot minor party Senators would have been people become familiar with the system. paper in 2019 there were 42 women elected.” candidates and 59 men. Of the parties In short, to vote below the line, voters need already represented in the Senate – The Senate ballot paper is becoming to fill in 12 squares. Coalition, Labor and the Greens - there physically cumbersome with the large The rules allow a vote to be counted were 10 women and eight men standing. number of parties and candidates. provided that the first six consecutive All six Greens candidates were women. But an Australian Electorate Commission numbers are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. If you omit or Of course, there may be (unintended) 2016 Senate Ballot Paper Study found the repeat a number after correctly nominating consequences of not following a party introduction of PPV led to an increase in your first to sixth preference, the ballot ticket below the line, including fewer below the line voting particularly where More women is a necessary ingredient for cultural change in Australia’s Parliament House. will still be valid. So a ballot that has the voting quotas for the two major parties. the relative effort of below the line voting Managing Partner argues that below-the-line voting in the Senate can help preferences 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13 Kathy Lindsay And if below-the-line voting favoured compared with above the line voting was would be formal – but only preferences one deliver it. women candidates, the result could be reduced. to nine would count, because you omitted fewer quotas for parties with fewer women to include a tenth preference. The current system of allowing voters to The Federal Government has pledged a female-friendly budget they wouldn’t have to fend for themselves”. candidates and more quotas for parties fill in only 12 boxes may be one way to on 11 May in a pitch to the 10 million women voters and the So, if a voter only wishes to preference six with only female candidates. The NSW The ALP has had a quota system since 1994, when the number of get more women into Parliament via the millions more men who want the same thing women want – candidates, they can fill in the boxes with Greens would have been the most obvious female parliamentarians was 12.5 per cent. It is now 45 per cent. Senate. more affordable childcare, equality of opportunity and an end their preference from 1 to 6 and then fill in winners in 2019 as they had women in all to domestic violence. In a 2017 joint study by McKinsey, Workplace Gender Equality other six boxes from, say 8 to 13. six positions on the Senate voting paper. Agency and the Business Council of Australia on Women in According to the polls, many voters – women and men - also Leadership: Lessons from Australian companies leading the want the gender imbalance in Parliament, particularly on the way, said “there is a growing recognition in Australia’s business Coalition benches, to change. The sharp uptick in Parliament community that increasing women’s representation in leadership House scandals has seen Scott Morrison and at least some of his and board positions is critical to having better run, more effective team – including Cabinet Ministers , , companies that can respond to the diverse demands of an ever- Melissa Price and Sussan Ley – advocating for increasing the changing business environment”. number of women in the parliamentary Coalition to address the perceptions of a toxic male culture in Parliament House. It listed 10 practices for success in getting higher numbers of women into senior roles. Practices include building a strong case Environment Minister and Member for the NSW regional seat for change, actively sponsoring rising women, and setting a clear of Farrer, Sussan Ley, has been calling for a quota system since diversity aspiration, backed up by accountability and challenging 2018, and in March this year she put a number on it. traditional views of merit in recruitment and evaluation. Speaking with Michelle Grattan in The Conversation, Sussan Ley These practices could work equally well in Parliament. said, “I feel overwhelmingly that the culture of this place has got to change”. But even with quotas, if the women candidates are running in unwinnable seats or Senate positions it won’t translate to more Sussan Ley wants the Liberal Party constitution to include a Managing Partner, Kathy Lindsay women in Parliament. “smart quota system” with 40 per cent or 30 per cent of women candidates and “the ones that step forward in seats where So putting a woman up against Andrew Giles (Scullin is the safest there’s not so much chance would get very well supported, so ALP seat in the country) or (Maranoa is the 14 15 Over 50 Members and Senators wore the Youth Insearch kicking Youth Insearch End Youth Suicide blue heart pin, and Member for Stirling Mr goals in the fight against Vince Connelly MP, Member for Curtin Ms Celia Hammond MP, Member for youth self-harm and New England Hon MP and Mr Leeser each addressed Parliament suicide to champion the efforts of Youth Insearch and others to end youth suicide. Wells Haslem Mayhew helped secure media coverage for Youth Insearch across national and regional publications including The Australian, NBN Tamworth, The Northern Daily Leader, The Daily Mail, 2CC Canberra, News Mail Bundaberg and The Shepparton News. Account Executive Caitlin Stevens For more information about the End Youth Suicide campaign and Youth Insearch, please visit www. youthinsearch.org.au/endyouthsuicide Youth suicide statistics • Suicide is the biggest killer of Australians aged 15 to 24 years • People living in rural and Account ExecutiveCaitlin Stevens profiles Wells Haslem Mayhew client Youth Insearch and its third remote Australia are annual successful social media campaign to highlight its fight against youth suicide. up to twice as likely to die by suicide as people living in major cities Young people at risk of self-harm or suicide will need up Magusara and Caleb Finn. The influencers posted on their social • For every suicide in this age to 18 months or more to work through COVID-19 related platforms to spread awareness and encourage their followers trauma according to Youth Insearch CEO Stephen Lewin. to speak and listen to their friends, families, and communities. group there are around 100 to 200 suicide attempts While Australia is seeing some aspects of normality G Flip and Drag Queen Courtney Act also mentioned the return, there is a mental health crisis coming out of the work of Youth Insearch following G Flip’s performance • Almost one in four pandemic that will extend well beyond the rollout of at the 2021 launch of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi His Excellency General the Honourable young people who die by vaccines and return to pre-COVID international travel. Gras Festival at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 6 March. David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) talking with Youth Insearch leader Marlie suicide are Indigenous Youth Insearch launched the campaign at a cocktail Suicide is the biggest killer of young Australians aged 15-24. Thomas, Youth Insearch CEO function at Parliament House on 16 February supported • For each life lost to suicide, More young Australians die by suicide than in car accidents. Stephen Lewin and Kathy Lindsay by the Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Suicide the impacts are felt by up to On 17 February, Youth Insearch launched its third Prevention and Member for Berowa Mr MP. 135 people, including family annual End Youth Suicide campaign to raise awareness and encourage conversations around youth suicide. His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC members, work colleagues, DSC (Retd) gave a stirring keynote speech as the long- friends and first responders “We need to come together now more than ever time patron of Youth Insearch. Both Mr Leeser and at the time of death to help young people in our communities, to Member for Kingston and Shadow Minister for Youth spread hope one heart at a time,“ said Mr Lewin. Ms Amanda Rishworth MP addressed the assembled • In 2019, 461 young This year, there was a sea of blue hearts across social parliamentarians in strong support of the campaign. Top to bottom: Australian Australians died by suicide media and Parliament House as the Youth Insearch request Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Suicide Prevention musician G Flip, Tiktok influencers to start a conversation to end youth suicide was shared Member for Fenner and Shadow Assistant Minister for Sarah Magusara and Caleb Finn with millions of people both nationally and globally. Charities Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP joined a large contingent Youth Insearch secured the support of almost 40 influencers of Ministers and other Members of Parliament to listen including Australian musician G Flip, Married at First Sight star to Youth Insearch participants Marlie and Nelani share Cam Merchant, comedian Ciaran Lyons and TikTok stars Sarah their heartfelt stories of achievement and gratitude. 16 17 The COVID-19 vaccine We’ve forged partnerships across across audience, across platforms. rollout – why access Washington state to help meet audiences Working with community leaders there where they are with accessible and have been simply ingenious ideas to to quality, relevant culturally appreciative COVID-19 and connect with audiences: local artist vaccination information. This work is collaborations, youth video projects, information is key being done in the spirit of “Nothing food trucks at vaccination locations, you about me without me” — emphasising name it. the need to work alongside members This work has made our team think of those communities to address their deeply about how access to quality, specific needs, barriers and priorities. relevant information is key to promoting There were many things our team had health equity. In our industry we have to consider when thinking about how an obligation to make communications, to communicate with different priority marketing, advertising, media more populations. The media industry tends participatory and collaborative. In so to think about audiences in terms of many ways we are telling people’s stories minority/majority, but when you stop to or are gatekeepers to information that consider the barriers that many people can change people’s lives. That’s a lot of Vice President of Social Change are facing – everything from language responsibility! Now, more than ever we Marketing, Dr. Mallory Peak to navigating the internet with screen need to take care of each other and take readers – that impacts a large part of your that responsibility seriously. Creating audience, in any state, in any country. more equitable access to health can The tactics and strategies that we, and start with us. trusted message carriers, develop and implement, must be culturally relevant *The annual IPREX Emerging Leaders and thoughtful. Conference is designed for emerging leaders within partners’ firms, where As Australia faces its own barriers in vaccination rollout, many countries around the world are Any successful communication effort they learn from senior communications needs to hear and acknowledge those professionals. Stav Pisk was Wells finding creative ways to address those challenges. Account ManagerStav Pisk, fresh from the IPREX concerns as part of a discussion about Haslem Mayhew’s attendee at this Emerging Leaders Conference, asked Vice President of Social Change Marketing Dr. Mallory Peak, health care. Working with trusted year’s ELC, which was held online. The voices and leaders within communities and Account Director Shireen Khinda from our US-based IPREX partner DH to pen this article on how conference focussed on leadership and can help reach those with barriers to where our industry will be in five years. they are working with the Washington State Department of Health to ensure priority communities accessing critical information. Instead of a top-down approach where we are receive accurate information about vaccinations and COVID-19 prevention behaviours. telling message carriers and partners what messaging communities need, much of our work is asking and listening to community leaders about what they One of the most interesting (frustrating?!) communication Access to easy to understand, accurate, trustworthy information are seeing in real time. Together, we Account Director, Shireen Khinda challenges around the world right now is vaccination rollout. can get lost in conversations about health care. That is where we develop custom communications plans For some countries like Australia and Canada, there is existing as communicators can make a huge difference in people’s lives. and connect community partners to infrastructure to vaccinate people, but vaccine supply is In our recent work with the Washington State Department of the resources to make it happen. That is dependent on a competitive global market. For countries like the Health - not DC, but the state that has Seattle and Microsoft and often securing funding, but also subject US that produce their own vaccines, the supply is there but the Starbucks - we’ve partnered with 122 community-owned media matter experts, language experts, design distribution infrastructure is inconsistent. outlets and organisations (and counting) to share vaccination and production support. information. These organisations work with priority populations The second scenario has been occupying a lot of our agency’s who may experience barriers to information and care. That can The result has been really different. time. Issues with the US’s fragmented health care infrastructure include communities of colour, people living with disabilities, Everything from developing feature are legendary. Misinformation around awide range of topics has speaking a language other than English. The goal is to share stories on a local Korean TV station to been a rising problem in the US for years, where sadly COVID- information about COVID-19 prevention behaviours, as well as hosting an inclusive photoshoot with 19 vaccination is no exception. How do we communicate where accurate information about vaccination. partners working with individuals with to even get a vaccine: via mobile clinics, events, grocery stores, disabilities. There is also a feeling of community centres and hospitals? How do we break through In short, how are you supposed to jump through all of the excitement about taking health care misinformation campaigns or simply understandable historical infrastructure hoops to get vaccinated if nothing is available in information, which has long been mistrust of medical systems? How do we make vaccination your language, if you can’t navigate the website, or if you don’t relegated to a poster in a doctor’s office, rollout more equitable? even see information that seems relevant to your life? and really expanding the conversation 18 19 IPREX Emerging Leaders Conference – bringing a world of PR expertise to 4. Enterprise and suppliers development (investing in black-owned businesses Wells Haslem Mayhew and supporting their businesses) 5. Socio-economic development (social investment initiatives). This session stood out to me as I believe that diversity, equity and inclusion measures are crucial for any organisation and I felt inspired by the South African agency’s commitment to addressing the mistakes of the past and lifting people out of poverty and into economic empowerment. I walked away from the three-day virtual conference feeling inspired and positive about my future as a communications professional and the ever-evolving public Account Manager, Stav Pisk relations industry. I feel privileged to have been part of the IPREX Emerging Leaders Conference and look forward to continuing our participation with the network and look forward to continuing these discussions with the emerging leaders from around the Account Manager Stav Pisk recently attended the virtual 2021 IPREX Emerging Leaders Conference globe. where she learned from public relations experts from across the globe. She writes about her key takeaways.

I have over 1,000 global colleagues whom I can call on if one agencies faced similar issues in the face of COVID-19, shrinking of our clients needs assistance in their part of the world. I have media markets, and tighter budgets. access to the greatest minds in public relations, government We discussed what the future holds for communications agencies relations, social media, design, marketing, the list goes on. This is and how as emerging leaders we can best position ourselves for all thanks to Wells Haslem Mayhew’s membership in IPREX, the that future. US$420 million network of communication agencies from every corner of the globe. I heard from our partners in Japan and the United States who shared their innovative campaigns for clients in the tourism, Our IPREX membership gives us access to global conferences healthcare, and defence industries. to enrich our professional developments and create deep connections with our global partners. Like for everyone else My favourite session was a presentation by an agency from on Earth, the Pandemic Who Shall Not Be Named has halted South Africa on diversity, equity and inclusion. It highlighted international travel and IPREX had to quickly change its plans for South Africa’s policy of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), the annual Emerging Leaders Conference. a program which aims to realise the country’s full economic potential while helping to bring the black majority into the I have heard many great things about the Emerging Leaders economic mainstream. Organisations who comply with the Conference and how much of a privilege it is to attend. Previous BEE codes are given a BEE score measured up against five key conferences were held in Boston, Dublin, Paris. Itineraries elements: included lunches, interactive workshops, cultural activities, and dinners. In 2021 the conference was held in my 15-inch laptop 1. Ownership (business ownership and equity by black people) screen, my hair in a messy bun, wearing pyjamas. While I was 2. Management control (representation of black people in initially hesitant about attending the virtual conference and was leadership roles) expecting it to be just another webinar, it was quite the opposite. 3. Skills development (developing the skills and competencies The program was full of interesting conversations between of black employees) peers. I (virtually) met people from all around the world whose 20 21 IPREX Highlights Wells Haslem Mayhew is a member of IPREX, a US$350m network of communications agencies, with over 100 offices worldwide

Through our membership of the IPREX global communications network, our clients can access 1,600 staff in over 100 offices worldwide. Below is an overview of recent activity amongst our IPREX partners.

MC2 MAKES LANDMARK MOVE TO FRENCH/WEST/VAUGHAN SCOOPS ADDY ABBI AGENCY JOINS IPREX CHICAGO’S RUDD RESOURCES JOINS IPREX IPREX NOW IN THE UAE MANIFESTO WINS TOP FINNISH COMMS EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP AWARDS AWARD Reno, Las Vegas and New York-based agency, Rudd Resources, a full-service, award- Dubai-based Watermelon Communications Manchester, UK-headquartered marketing French/West/Vaughan, one of the United the Abbi Agency has joined IPREX. Abbi is an winning public relations agency based on has joined IPREX. Watermelon is an IPREX Finnish partner Manifesto's communications agency MC2 has moved States’ 20 largest independently-held public integrated marketing communications firm Chicago’s South Side, has joined IPREX. Rudd independent, creatively driven, full-service #howareyou suicide prevention to employee ownership, with co-founder relations and integrated marketing agencies, that provides performance-driven solutions Resources is a strategic communications marketing communications agency. With campaign (in Finnish #mitäkuuluu), Mike Perls MBE describing the deal as the was honoured with six ADDY Awards – for travel destinations, technology firms, and marketing agency that handles public extensive experience in PR across various designed and delivered by Manifesto and “most significant moment” in the company's including the coveted MOSAIC Award – at healthcare organisations, and government affairs and storytelling for philanthropic, industries, Watermelon has built a reputation Bob the Robot on behalf of MIELI Mental history. Founded in 1999 by Mike and Jenny the 2021 American Advertising Awards on agencies. It is staffed by 31 experts in equity and community development around sound strategy, operational Health Finland, won the Pro Bono prize at Morgan, the firm has grown from a two- 18 March. “After such a challenging and marketing, public relations, public affairs, social initiatives. It is a certified, women-and- excellence, effective execution, and the the Finnish Comms Awards late last year. person start-up to a 35-strong integrated unprecedented year, it was very rewarding media, web design, creative development, minority-owned public relations agency. philosophy of growth through retention. The campaign, conducted in the northern agency. MC2 specialises in supporting to gather virtually with peers and colleagues content marketing, data analysis, event Its clients include Cummins Inc., the Cook autumn of 2019, focused on young people high-growth businesses and placemaking to celebrate the exceptional work we all do,” promotion, facilitation, and market research. Its County Land Bank Authority, The Chicago whose suicide rates have risen alarmingly organisations, with clients including Deloitte, said FWV Creative Director John Moore. full-service agency’s strengths lie in its approach Community Trust, the League of American in recent years. The campaign made the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund “We are honoured to have taken home to developing persona-driven marketing Orchestras, Elevated Chicago and St. creative use of the media and channels (NPIF), NCC Group and the University of awards this year from such an esteemed initiatives deployed as stories across a number Bernard Hospital. In 2020 Rudd Resources’ favoured by young people. At the heart Lancashire. Jonathan Saatchi, Diane Barker, program and are flattered to be included of outreach channels. Incorporated in 2008, work was recognised with awards from of the campaign were real people who Liam Buckley, Lucy Giles, Ellie Spellman and and recognized among so many talented the agency was founded in public relations the Publicity Club of Chicago, the American survived the suicide attempt and shared Sarah Harris will form MC2's executive board, advertising professionals.” FVW has offices expertise. This PR strategy is intrinsically applied Planning Association – Illinois Chapter, and their own survival story with the public. with Perls stepping into the role of chair and in Raleigh (NC), New York City, Los Angeles to all service areas, providing its clients with a the Friends of the Chicago River. Learn more about the campaign here. Morgan acting as non-executive director. and Tampa (FL). strong storytelling narrative. The Wells Haslem Mayhew team is currently 22 working on a joint project with MC2. 23 PRIA Young Guns –

supporting tomorrow’s

PR professionals If you are interested in learning more about the" PRIA NSW Young Guns, please email [email protected].

It is so important to support the next generation of talent, they are the future leaders of our industry. Young professionals get so much value out of opportunities that really open their mind to new ways of thinking or doing things, and connect them with likeminded people while expanding their network. That’s why we focus on providing a vital link to industry through tailored events and Account Executive, Caitlin Stevens meaningful programs. We’re all very passionate about giving back.

Rachel King, Co-Chair of PRIA NSW Young Guns" Caitlin Stevens and Kathy Lindsay joined the online speed mentoring program Current students and early-stage public relations practitioners are experiencing uncertainty in the market as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Account ExecutiveCaitlin Stevens discusses why it is important to support our leaders of the future.

In December 2020, I ran my first event – a summer mentoring When I graduated Macquarie University in 2017, I threw my program for practitioners in the early stages of their career. graduation mortarboard into the open air not knowing what Fifteen mentees signed up for the “speed mentoring” event I wanted to do and not knowing anyone in the industry. My held on Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions. mortarboard flew down and whacked me in the head. Three years of learning had come to this one moment – I was not We ran 15 rounds so that each mentee had the opportunity to ready to enter the workforce. meet each mentor one-on-one. Three more years on, I decided I wanted to help graduates Mentor relationships are invaluable and help to build a that were like me – uncertain. Maybe they didn’t get hit by mentee’s confidence and strengthen their skillset while their graduation mortarboard, but maybe they needed the providing guidance around progression in the industry. support, network and skill set to overcome the challenges that I was once a mentee as part of a previous NSW Young Guns are currently facing the industry. mentoring program and I am thrilled to be involved in the In October 2020, I joined the chapter of management of this fantastic program. the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) Young Guns In 2021, the NSW Young Guns will be running several events as a committee member. The NSW Young Guns, co-chaired and professional development opportunities including by Maya Ivanovic and Rachel King, exists to provide support webinars, a taboo-topics workshop, student engagement and professional development opportunities for emerging opportunities, mentoring programs for both university communications practitioners. students and professionals, and the resumption of face-to- The first project I was involved with as a new committee face networking events. member was our first ever university mentoring program, run I am proud to be a member of a committee that strengthens in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney. T industry engagement, drives education, and provides a he program was specifically designed to support final year network for young public relations practitioners. students in the transition from university to the workplace. 24 25 The Wells Haslem Mayhew team

JOHN WELLS, BENJAMIN HASLEM, KATHY LINDSAY, STAV PISK, MARK RAPAPORT, SENIOR CAITLIN STEVENS, KERRY SIBRAA, , INVESTOR TRACEY JARVIS, CHAIRMAN MANAGING AND MANAGING PARTNER ACCOUNT MANAGER ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE SPECIAL COUNSEL ENGAGEMENT COUNSEL DIGITAL CONSULTANT FOUNDING PARTNER For the past 25 Years John Stav holds a Bachelor of Mark works across Wells Caitlin holds a Bachelor of Kerry’s career has Chris is an investor relations Tracey has joined Wells was a founding partner Benjamin has over 20 years’ Kathy has almost 20 years Arts (Professional Writing Haslem Mayhew’s client base, Arts-Media from Macquarie embraced the highest and corporate marketing Haslem Mayhew to create and senior consultant experience in the media. of political and corporate and Publishing) and assisting with government University, in Sydney. levels of Australian political professional with extensive the digital arm of services in one of Australia’s affairs experience in Bachelor of Commerce and media relations in sectors Prior to joining Wells Haslem life and the cutting edge financial services knowledge for the company. Ben worked at Jackson leading public relations Sydney and Melbourne as (Public Relations) from including corporate affairs, Mayhew, Caitlin worked for of business development. gained from over 25 Wells for nine years, companies, Jackson Wells. well as 16 years in Japan, Curtin University. She healthcare, not-for-profits a small Sydney public affairs He was an ALP Senator for years’ experience working She has an extensive where he managed and is particularly skilled at and infrastructure. agency, which specialised in NSW for 19 years, including across different sectors background in marketing Prior to that John’s career worked on complex Thailand and Indonesia. writing for a variety of Prior to joining Wells Haslem government relations and President of the Australian of the financial services and 10 years experience embraced journalism at projects and became She has directed in-house audiences across different Mayhew, Mark spent two crisis management. She Senate from 1987 until industry – predominantly in digital marketing. She the most senior levels in a Director and CEO. communications teams, platforms, ensuring the years in London, where he was responsible for media retiring from Parliament in superannuation; investments Australia and overseas. He headed up business to will be helping WHM to At Wells Haslem Mayhew right messages reach conducted public relations monitoring, liaising with 1994 to become Australia’s and wealth management has extensive experience government advocacy integrate PR campaigns he has managed and the right people. Stav for blue-chip clients, with a stakeholders and pitching to High Commissioner to and advice. in media management in for further reach through worked on projects efforts and managed assists clients with their focus on corporate affairs media. Zimbabwe and six other both television and radio, digital tactics. for The Smith Family, political campaigns. digital and social media and financial services. southern African nations. Working with diverse has provided policy advice While completing her studies, thyssenkrupp Marine needs, managing online Mark was responsible for He is a former director of stakeholder groups including to Federal political leaders Caitlin undertook several PR Tracey set-up her own Systems, Sonartech Atlas, In the years before the campaigns to grow strategising and executing Zimbabwe Platinum Mines shareholders, investors, and offers public affairs internships, and gained some digital marketing agency the Black Dog Institute, audience and influence, media campaigns, providing and World IT. financial intermediaries consulting. global financial crisis, experience in journalism. nine years ago working Alexion Pharmaceutical, as well as offering sound in-depth media analysis and and the media, Chris’ Kathy was head of She also had the opportunity with clients such as Philips, In early 1992, the two Silver Chain, Swiss Re, advice during times of assisting in crisis scenarios for From 2003 to 2010 he focus on delivering results internal communications, to study music, film and Navman, Mazda, Smartline established Jackson Wells NHFIC, EFIC, ASIC, AMP, crisis. global clients. served the Government has consistently been Asia-Pacific, at Lehman content creation abroad in with Keith Jackson. Blacktown City Council, of the Republic of demonstrated by the Mortgage Brokers, Terry Brothers, Tokyo (2004-08). Stav is particularly While at university, Mark co- Wales, where she attended Fairview Architectural, Mozambique as their ability to build and protect White Chemists, Hong In 2012, John joined with passionate about founded the Oxford University Cardiff University for a Port Authority of NSW Media Society, which hosted Honorary Consul-General corporate reputations, Kong Tourism, Cathay former Jackson Wells Kathy was in Bangkok conservation and social semester. and Zurich Australia. executives from the global in Australia. establish and maintain Pacific and more. colleagues to establish for the Asian financial justice, and has a keen Caitlin enjoys writing and has strong stakeholder relations Wells Haslem, now Wells Ben possesses an interest in government media and PR industries, crisis, serving as the experience penning articles In 1996, he was awarded externally and internally, Haslem Mayhew. acute understanding relations, stakeholder and connected the student executive director of for several Western Sydney an Order of Australia. manage communications of mainstream media, engagement, and crisis body with mentors working John retires as Chairman newspapers during work in both normal operational having spent the best AusCham Thailand for management. across various forms of media at the end of 2018 but will experience at university. periods as well as crisis part of a decade working four years. Most recently including news & current continue to consult for the Caitlin is interested in how situations, plus help to for The Australian she managed business affairs, radio production, firm. social media has changed turbo-charge the growth of newspaper in Sydney, development for PwC entertainment and social how the public engages with businesses. Canberra and Melbourne. media. Indonesia's energy, utilities national and international Mark holds a Masters in and mining business. politics, with the public History from The University of able to create its own Oxford, and a Bachelor of Arts forums about issues and (Hons I) from The University controversies. of Sydney. 26 27 Affiliates

ROB MASTERS, JOHN KANANGHINIS, RON EDWARDS, MELBOURNE COUNSEL MELBOURNE COUNSEL WA COUNSEL RMK + Associates is a John has close to 30 years’ Ron is one of WA’s most strategic communication experience in strategic respected government and stakeholder communication planning relations specialists, engagement consultancy. and implementation both as enjoying an excellent a consultant and as a senior working relationship with Since its inception, its executive within highly all sides of politics. approach to strategic successful multi-national communication programs, companies. From 1983-1993, he was community consultation Federal MP for the Perth and stakeholder John has been Managing electorate of Stirling. Prior engagement processes Director of a leading to leaving parliament, Ron have earned it a reputation Australasian communication was Deputy Speaker. of being at the leading consultancy and has almost edge of communication two decades of senior In 2006 he was awarded a management for over 30 corporate experience PhD in Education from the years. through his roles as General University of WA, which Manager of Marketing investigated factors that Rob’s services and clients & Communications for promote social inclusion. cover the energy sector BMW Australia and Sales & Ron is a keen AFL fan and (oil, gas, coal), electricity, Marketing Director for Scania in 1994 helped established forestry, government Australia. The Graham (Polly) Farmer (federal, state, local) water, Foundation. He has been finance, automotive, John studied law at a Board member since its Clockwise from top left: Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Michael McCormack MP with Managing Partner Kathy Lindsay; the Wells Haslem Mayhew health and health research, University, Wellington and inception. team celebrating Chairman John Wells' birthday; Association of Independent Schools of NSW executives Darryl Buchanan and Kelly Borg, NSW pharmaceutical, education, is also holds a Diploma in Premier the Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP and Kathy Lindsay; Managing and Founding Partner Benjamin Haslem with Minister for Communications, transport (road and rail), Business Communications Ron, who has extensive Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts the Hon. Paul Fletcher MP and Kathy Lindsay. information technology, from Massey University in experience in the fisheries primary industry, New Zealand. and mining sectors, assists CONTACT Wells Haslem Mayhew environment and retail. Wells Haslem Mayhew clients communicate with +61 2 8904 9991 the WA State Government [email protected] and Federal MPs and whmspa.com.au Senators based in WA. L2 65 Walker Street North Sydney NSW 2060 Twitter: @WellsHaslem Find us on: Facebook, LinkedIn Designed and produced by Wells Haslem Strategic Public Affairs Pty Ltd 28 April 2021 29