government relations
Biotechnology research — a high-profile scientific institute was at the centre of a major public debate over controversial research. With the critics setting the agenda and the media increasingly distorting the institute’s statements, the Government announced a review of the institute’s funding. Clifton rebuilt the media strategy, turned up vital evidence that strengthened the institute’s arguments, and helped prepare and hone the case to government and to parliament. The outcome was an impressive showing at a parliamentary hearing and the confirmation of funds for the research team.
Oil and gas development — one of the world’s top five oil companies needed to establish fiscal and regulatory agreements with Australia and a near neighbour in order to proceed with a major offshore gas development. When negotiations appeared to have reached an impasse, Clifton was asked to develop strategies to help move the process forward. This included building a positive relationship between the company and the authorities of the two countries to achieve supportive policy settings and assist the resolution of tax issues.
Winning government support – a leading engineering firm asked Clifton to help win government support, across a range of departments, for a water re-use project it planned to develop in suburban Melbourne. Clifton embarked on a government and community relations program which included discreet and targeted lobbying of key decision-makers. The campaign also involved strategies to increase understanding and acceptance of the project by local stakeholders, especially those who would potentially use the facility. The project has been approved.
State government housing authority - Clifton has worked on various projects for a leading NSW housing authority. The association started when the authority was investigating the possibility of a PPP process for the redevelopment of existing public housing estates and the better integration of social housing into the general community. Clifton was selected on the basis of our experience with PPP projects.
Clifton advised on the communications management and successful implementation of the PPP process and then on a communications strategy for the redevelopment of several other estates south-west of Sydney.
Government department - Clifton worked with a Victorian government department on the development of a new energy initiative. The department asked Clifton to develop an integrated communications strategy for the project.
The campaign objective was to inform Victorians about how the government is securing a sustainable energy future for Victoria. We worked with state and local government representatives to achieve this aim.
Correctional services - an international supplier of correctional services has been a long-term client of Clifton. Over a number of years we have assisted them in researching and liaising with national and state governments. We have also assisted with tenders and managed the media and other stakeholders in order to support sensible debate over the privatisation of prison management.
We have assisted in explaining the benefits of privatisation and supporting the various governments' stance on the issues involved.
