Who’s who in the WA Liberals reshuffle
Liza Harvey has wasted little time revealing her new shadow cabinet, as the 2021 State Election looms large.
The D Word: reframing the density debate in Perth
Why is the opposition to density so entrenched, when well-designed urban density can deliver so much choice and diversity?
Social licence and the challenge of finding ‘the overlap’
Local communities need to be the starting point of any project because, even when it has global context, trust starts – and can be ended – at home.
Queensland Budget: the numbers that matter
Jackie Trad has handed down her second budget as Queensland Treasurer, with forecast debt of more than $90 billion one of the headline numbers. But Ms Trad and the government were also quick to emphasise the continued regional focus of the budget, an intent to concentrate on job creation and the importance of investing for the future. Here’s a breakdown of some other key areas from a budget that is expected to deliver a $189 million surplus in 2019-20. Taxes (and a crackdown) The government will raise $1.47 billion over four years through three expanded taxes and a compliance crackdown by Queensland Treasury. There
Authenticity may not really be what you’re looking for
Recently I was asked to speak in Sydney at the Corporate Affairs Summit, Australasia’s most senior and significant gathering of corporate affairs and communication executives. These events are always a perilous mix of unusual insight (this year a senior leader from tobacco company Philip Morris was the day one keynote speaker) and potential navel-gazing, as 300-plus communications professionals meet in the same room. But the panel I was on was particularly interesting, even if I do say so myself! I was asked to discuss the importance of authenticity in professional communications, especially with regards to large-scale consumer communications. This is a fascinating topic,
Change in Opposition leadership marks ‘campaign start’
As we’ve learned previously from federal politics, anything can change in a day. Liza Harvey has today been voted unopposed as the new leader of the WA Liberal Party, after days of media speculation leading up to the resignation of Mike Nahan. Bill Marmion will take on Ms Harvey’s former role of deputy leader, in addition to his shadow portfolio responsibilities of Mines and Petroleum, Innovation and Disruptive Technologies, Defence Issues and Science. This leadership change signals a shift in thinking by the Opposition, from treading water to entering campaign mode ahead of the next State Election in March 2021. The 2017 election saw Labor score
Parents: the forgotten user group
Whether it's parental control apps being removed by Apple or filter-less family plans from Spotify, parents seem to be a low-visibility group for big tech.
Queensland Treasurer talks exports, infrastructure spending and Adani
Queensland Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad has promised continued investment in education and creation of jobs ahead of the State Budget. Speaking at a Queensland Media Club luncheon in Brisbane, Ms Trad said Queensland’s unemployment had fallen from a high of 6 per cent, with more than 200 full-time jobs created under the Labor government. She also highlighted the fact Queensland’s exports were now worth more than those of New South Wales and Victoria combined, and that further growth was expected with the expansion of Brisbane Airport and a second runway opening in 2020. "In this budget, the Queensland Government faces the
The ALP’s new shadow ministry – and its unique WA focus
Opposition Leader, Anthony Albanese, has announced his shadow ministry and, as was the case with the Coalition, there is a careful balance of experience and new blood. Mr Albanese’s front bench is made up of 12 women and 12 men, with 11 women in the shadow cabinet and Senator Jenny McAllister being appointed shadow cabinet secretary. The Labor overhaul includes a new economics team, featuring Queensland MP Jim Chalmers as shadow treasurer, ACT senator Katy Gallagher as shadow minister for finance and NSW MP Stephen Jones as shadow assistant treasurer. Victorian Member for Corio, Richard Marles, has been promoted to Deputy Opposition Leader.