Over the 12 months, the jobs market in Canberra has changed for communications professionals. Once there were many people and not many roles. Now, the tide has turned, and there are not enough candidates to fill the positions available. As…
Why internal communicators still need to understand “the business.”
Last week someone said to me, “I work in internal comms, I don’t need to know about what we do”. It’s not the first time I have heard it. There is a perception (not by everyone) that if you work…
Have you started your EA communications strategy?
Updated for 2021! AGGGGHHHH not enterprise bargaining in the public service. Those of us who were part of the last bargaining round cannot believe it’s almost been three years. I know some departments have yet to finalise their agreements but…
Let’s talk about fake engagement
In the public service, there is a phenomenon I call fake engagement. I’ve seen it done internally with staff and externally with stakeholders. I’ve seen it faked well and be such a sham that it fooled no one. What is…
Building respect in the communications profession
There is often a lack of respect or trust for communications professionals. Often our advice is dismissed or discounted as not as important as an economist, policy officer or project manager. I have been asked more times than I can…
Communications operating model: How to structure your communication team
It is the ultimate conundrum in communications – Do we have the right operating model? It is an issue that comes up for communications teams every few years. Is there another way to offer our services? How is everyone else…
Back to basics: My lessons from working with the Cook Islands Government
Over the past few months, I have been doing some work with the Cook Islands Government. Working on the community consultation for the national economic strategy was a fantastic experience. I don’t often share details about the projects I am…
What is news?
Last week, Facebook blocked all news in Australia in response to the Government’s News Media Bargaining Code. The result was that not only were news organisations like ABC and The Canberra Times Facebook pages blocked but others like the Bureau…
A 2021 challenge: personal development
I didn’t realise how important it was to do personal development until I had to pay for it myself. When working in government I took it for granted (I see that now) that I could do a course or attend…
How to be a great leader: Advice for new managers
It finally happened. You have been an APS staff member for years, and you finally got the promotion you have been waiting for. You finally made it! OR maybe you weren’t expecting it. Your boss left, and you got asked…