AUSTRALIA'S CHANGING POLITICAL LANDSCAPE - W MEN FIND THEIR VOICE - THE - Wells ...
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SHELL
THE
ISSUE 17 Autumn 2021
AUSTRALIA'S
CHANGING
POLITICAL
LANDSCAPE
W M E N 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 Australia 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 Opposition 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 Tasmania
Benjamin Haslem It was a few days shy of Christmas 2019, many Sydneysiders seeking details of the proposed substation and various other
affiliate, Martine Haley, places a lens over Apple Isle politics
Managing and Founding Partner already sliding into holiday mode, bushfire smoke shrouding the information including the health implications of its electro-
ahead of the State’s 1 May election.
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
On page 24, Account Executive, Caitlin Stevens, writes about This was a smokescreen for what followed the next day when
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
Insearch on page 16 and its recent third annual successful aware that in less than a month a major redevelopment was due
concern, the Department replied to some but not all the matters
social media campaign to highlight its fight against youth to commence a few metres from their balconies.
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.
Account Manager, Stav Pisk, recently attended the annual December, they were not entirely aware of just what Defence
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
online due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Read about the was made aware for the first time that the substation would
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
harbour views to match. By 1946 with
document, putting the residents’ case to
government and the media.
achieving a successful outcome for our
clients. reflect a modern
the linking of Garden Island to the
mainland, the block faced directly onto
At the heart of the advocacy was the
appalling lack of consultation with the
Residents also used their extensive
political contacts to write to local
organisation
the base, and overlooked a small sports
residents – virtually none – undertaken Federal Labor MP, Tanya Plibersek, 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, Dave Sharma
the building with the full knowledge The advocacy cited the fact that Defence
that they lived next to a working naval told the Federal Parliamentary Joint
MP. Both local MPs raised their concerns 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 them to understand all the ways in which Western Sydney to a new Centre of
With five children living in the The apartment block’s residents were
Defence Department at a Parliamentary with the Royal Institute for Deaf we support them and their families.” Excellence in Vision and Hearing at
apartment block, residents were also told through political contacts that
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
Committee – which approved the project WHM contacted the ABC’s Defence past six months, helping its team
such a large substation, never mind the name, Chris said Next signalled the The North Rocks site is no longer able to
– had toured the site in 2018 but were not Correspondent, Andrew Greene, who communicate with the Australian and
fact their views across the base toward organisation’s ongoing commitment to provide an environment that supports
shown the site nor told that a substation reported on the residents’ battle, NSW Governments.
glimpses of Sydney Harbour were also 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
resident and her young children about “We're here to break down barriers, and
Defence told the Parliamentary charity, took the bold step of changing with vision or hearing loss, their families
But what made residents angriest was 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
newsletters placed in letter boxes (as far The residents and WHM used their hearing and vision, but the intelligence,
as far afield as Neutral Bay on the As NextSense President, David Dinte, incubator for world-leading innovation
afield as Neutral Bay) and invitations for corporate networks to bring the issue empathy and understanding it takes to
opposite shore of the Harbour, but had explained NextSense “has been at the and best practice, leveraging
private briefings sent to members of the to the attention of companies involved enhance the future.
apparently forgotten to tell them what 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
residents or owners in the block of To Defence’s credit, they appointed two services won’t change. Our people won’t other organisations.
It was around this time that Wells become Australia’s largest non-
apartments closest to the substation or senior officials to work with all parties to change. Our dedication and commitment
Haslem Mayhew (WHM) was contacted government provider of education, The Centre will allow NextSense
surrounding apartments ever received produce a satisfactory outcome. The two won’t change.”
by resident, founding member of the 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 the professionals who support them.” with the office of the NSW Premier to Australia and a cluster of research,
Defence presented the residents
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,
A preliminary report prepared for relocation and asked them to nominate from Premier Gladys Berejiklian, which providers.
the building, who were unanimous said the new brand would “better
residents by an environmental two they would be satisfied with. was played on the day.
and united in their opposition to the 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
are sorry."
that the only thing that will fix it is more
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,
an artwork, it saw it as a well-meaning move to criticise the British Empire. Yet, as Senior Account 2. Mandatory cultural awareness
businesses and organisations to embark
training for all MONA staff
Executive Mark Rapaport writes, a lack of consultation and representation meant that the move was members including the director
on a process of full consultation and
inclusion in order to truly serve the
entirely at odds with the very community it thought it was serving, and the backlash demonstrated and owner
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
Hobart’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 Madeleine Ogilvie 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
candidature.
2014. She lost in the 2018 election, but
was re-elected on a recount following a
election At the 2018 election Labor had a key
resignation.
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 Peter Gutwein 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 Sue Hickey
Rebecca White 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 Just days before Mr Gutwein called the
arguably the most popular potential Labor candidate other than
electorates with five members per electorate, means Mr Winter election, he publicly declared Ms Hickey
Ms White sidelined.
and Mr O’Byrne are both vying for Labor votes in the seat of would not be preselected again as a
Dean Winter, 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
but fell short But the showdown was destined to happen.
engagement.
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 Queensland 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
man he worked for in the late eighties and early nineties. “In 1989, encouraged by a core group
at the airport and that we would do a quick
“door stop” news conference with a focus
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 of backers, Peacock deposed Howard,
on issues relating to far north Queensland.
the Liberal Party from the moment he entered Federal Politics that reaching the prime ministership required. returned to the leadership but succumbed
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."
I got to know Peacock very well when I aircraft had been on the ground, I’d have
and the broader Victorian community.
“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 Within that short period, it became quite as Australia’s Ambassador to the United
lived a fulfilled life,” Kelly wrote.
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 While we got on famously together and
double act. It was not without its advantages — Fraser was grit
got on very well with men, he was always the life of the party. had a very strong working relationship,
and determination, Peacock charming and a master of soft power.
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 Christian Porter.
their franking credits and retirement savings.
It seems a lack of trust is not confined to Australian politics.
And some voters may fear Anthony Albanese 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 Scott Morrison 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
Federal Parliament’s safest Coalition seat) is unlikely to make
a difference. Similarly, people running in
If a voter wanted to ensure they are only
voting for a specific group of Senate
According to the report on The new 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
positions on the voting paper, the voter
the trend of fewer voters giving their first
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
More women is a necessary ingredient for cultural change in Australia’s Parliament House. will still be valid. So a ballot that has the
ticket below the line, including fewer below the line voting particularly where
voting quotas for the two major parties. the relative effort of below the line voting
Managing Partner Kathy Lindsay argues that below-the-line voting in the Senate can help preferences 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13
And if below-the-line voting favoured compared with above the line voting was
deliver it. would be formal – but only preferences one
women candidates, the result could be reduced.
to nine would count, because you omitted
fewer quotas for parties with fewer women
The Federal Government has pledged a female-friendly budget they wouldn’t have to fend for themselves”. to include a tenth preference. The current system of allowing voters to
candidates and more quotas for parties
on 11 May in a pitch to the 10 million women voters and the fill in only 12 boxes may be one way to
The ALP has had a quota system since 1994, when the number of So, if a voter only wishes to preference six with only female candidates. The NSW
millions more men who want the same thing women want – get more women into Parliament via the
female parliamentarians was 12.5 per cent. It is now 45 per cent. candidates, they can fill in the boxes with Greens would have been the most obvious
more affordable childcare, equality of opportunity and an end Senate.
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 Marise Payne, Karen Andrews,
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 Managing Partner, Kathy Lindsay
Sussan Ley wants the Liberal Party constitution to include a
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 David Littleproud (Maranoa is the
14 15
Youth Insearch kicking Over 50 Members and Senators wore the
Youth Insearch End Youth Suicide blue
goals in the fight against heart pin, and Member for Stirling Mr
Vince Connelly MP, Member for Curtin
Ms Celia Hammond MP, Member for
youth self-harm and New England Hon Barnaby Joyce 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 Executive Caitlin 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
platforms to spread awareness and encourage their followers
• For every suicide in this age
to 18 months or more to work through COVID-19 related
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
Suicide is the biggest killer of young Australians aged 15-24. Youth Insearch launched the campaign at a cocktail
Thomas, Youth Insearch CEO • For each life lost to suicide,
More young Australians die by suicide than in car accidents. function at Parliament House on 16 February supported
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 Julian Leeser 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
to help young people in our communities, to at the time of death
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
rollout – why access We’ve forged partnerships across
Washington state to help meet audiences
across audience, across platforms.
Working with community leaders there
to quality, relevant where they are with accessible and
culturally appreciative COVID-19 and
have been simply ingenious ideas to
connect with audiences: local artist
information is key vaccination information. This work is
being done in the spirit of “Nothing
collaborations, youth video projects,
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
are facing – everything from language Vice President of Social Change
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
Any successful communication effort they learn from senior communications
As Australia faces its own barriers in vaccination rollout, many countries around the world are needs to hear and acknowledge those professionals. Stav Pisk was Wells
finding creative ways to address those challenges. Account Manager Stav Pisk, fresh from the IPREX concerns as part of a discussion about Haslem Mayhew’s attendee at this
health care. Working with trusted
Emerging Leaders Conference, asked Vice President of Social Change Marketing Dr. Mallory Peak, voices and leaders within communities
year’s ELC, which was held online. The
conference focussed on leadership and
and Account Director Shireen Khinda from our US-based IPREX partner DH to pen this article on how 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 The result has been really different.
who may experience barriers to information and care. That can
time. Issues with the US’s fragmented health care infrastructure Everything from developing feature
include communities of colour, people living with disabilities,
are legendary. Misinformation around a wide range of topics has stories on a local Korean TV station to
speaking a language other than English. The goal is to share
been a rising problem in the US for years, where sadly COVID- hosting an inclusive photoshoot with
information about COVID-19 prevention behaviours, as well as
19 vaccination is no exception. How do we communicate where partners working with individuals with
accurate information about vaccination.
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 19IPREX Emerging Leaders
Conference – bringing a
world of PR expertise to 4. Enterprise and suppliers development
(investing in black-owned businesses
Wells Haslem Mayhew 5.
and supporting their businesses)
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 21IPREX 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,andmarketresearch.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-serviceagency’sstrengthslieinitsapproach 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. 23You can also read
