Parker & Partners Boosts Government Relations

Parker & Partners, the public affairs arm of Ogilvy Public Relations Australia, has boosted its government relations capacity on the ground in Canberra in the lead up to the September 14 Federal election.

 

Michael Hartmann joins P&P immediately in the newly created role of Director – Government Relations based in Canberra. Michael brings strong expertise and connections across the political spectrum and particularly with the Coalition, independents and other minor parties. He is charged with driving business growth and cementing P&P’s government relations credentials in the nation’s capital.

 

“Michael is a great asset to the team,” said Mathew Jones, Managing Director, Parker & Partners. “We are confident his drive and commitment to seeking new business will pay early dividends in what’s quickly shaping up to be an exciting election year.

 

“Michael’s new directive will complement P&P’s already renowned public affairs practice and

provide current and prospective clients with an enviable level of public affairs and government

relations expertise.”

 

Hartmann brings to P&P a wealth of experience in Government liaison covering such diverse industry sectors as agriculture, innovation and higher education.

 

 His previous Canberra-based roles include Deputy Director of the Cattle Council of Australia, CEO of

Cooperative Research Centres Association, and Director of Communication and Government Relations at Universities Australia (UA) – the peak body representing the university sector.

 

While at UA he significantly increased the presence and influence of Australia’s vice-chancellors in Canberra and contributed to a number of policy wins, including the Government’s decision to continue the core work of Australian Learning and Teaching Council following its disbanding, and driving the successful review of regional youth allowance.

 

“As government relations has become both more sophisticated and more highly regulated and scrutinised, it’s vital that practitioners have both the right connections and relationships and the strategic know-how and creativity to help drive clients’ agendas forward,” Mr Jones said.

 

“Michael has both of those attributes in spades, and we’re looking forward to the impact he’ll create in Canberra in coming months.”

 

Ogilvy Public Relations is a joint venture between WPP and STW Group, Australia’s leading marketing

content and communication services group.