Trust, Timing and Influence: Getting Government Relations right

How does government really work, and what does it take to be heard?

Whether you’re advising executives, managing stakeholders, navigating complex issues or seeking to influence policy, understanding how government makes decisions is an essential skill for today’s communication professional.

Join IABC WA and SEC Newgate for an exclusive panel discussion bringing together three highly experienced WA leaders who have seen government relations from very different sides of the table.

Bill Johnston brings extensive first-hand experience from inside government, having served 16 years in the WA Parliament and seven years as a Minister across major portfolios including Energy, Mines and Petroleum and Industrial Relations.

Karen Brown has worked at the highest levels of politics, media and business. Her career has included senior State and Federal political advisory roles and serving as Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Government in the Senate, as well as senior editorial positions at The West Australian and The Australian.

Bruce Campbell-Fraser, Partner, Communications at SEC Newgate, has advised WA Premiers and State and Federal Ministers and held senior government relations and public affairs roles across organisations including Water Corporation and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA.

Together, they’ll take you behind the scenes of government decision-making to explore what effective engagement really looks like.

Through candid conversation and real-world examples, the panel will discuss:

• how Cabinet, Ministers’ offices and government departments operate

• where and how government decisions are influenced

• what builds trust and credibility with Ministers, advisers and departments why timing can be just as important as the message

• what government needs from organisations seeking to engage

• the role communication professionals can play in shaping stronger relationships 

• common mistakes that can undermine government engagement

• how to navigate complex, sensitive or high-stakes issues

• what successful government relations looks like over the long term.

This is not Government Relations 101.

It’s an opportunity to hear directly from people who have sat around the Cabinet table, worked inside political offices, advised Premiers and Ministers, shaped public narratives and helped organisations navigate government.

Event details: Thursday 17 September 2026
5.30pm - 8pm, The Mark, State Buildings, Perth, Western Australia
Tickets: $50 +BF members / $75 + BF non-members | IABC members bring a guest for free