government relations
High-speed train — when the federal government announced its intention to develop a high-speed train service from Sydney to Canberra, a local business advocacy group asked Clifton for strategic advice to sway government towards a Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane link instead. Clifton implemented a strategy that involved lobbying government and business groups in all three states and managing media coverage. The result was that the government scrapped its original plan and announced a study into the Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane link as its preferred option.
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.
