Public Relations in Canberra

Canberra is a city where communication is closely read. Statements are parsed by journalists in the press gallery, by officials, by parliamentarians and their staff, and by the peak bodies that represent whole industries. A loose phrase can travel quickly from a media release to a question in Senate Estimates.

Australian Public Relations works with Canberra clients on media relations, issues management, stakeholder engagement and the careful corporate communication that this environment demands. We do not have a Canberra office; our office is in Southbank, Melbourne, and we come to Canberra when the work calls for it.

Many of the organisations that need communication support in Canberra are national in scope: peak bodies and industry associations, professional and member organisations, research institutions and universities, not-for-profits that rely on public funding, and businesses whose fortunes depend on Commonwealth policy, regulation or procurement. We also work with ACT-based businesses and community organisations on local matters.

Communication in and around the national capital sits within a distinct set of rules and rhythms:

• Parliamentary scrutiny. Senate Estimates hearings and parliamentary committee inquiries put organisations and officials on the public record. Submissions, appearances and the statements around them need to be consistent.
• Australian Government Lobbying Code of Conduct. Third parties who make representations to Commonwealth ministers or officials on behalf of clients are subject to the code and its register. Where a matter moves into that territory, we discuss it with you before any work begins.
• Caretaker conventions. During a federal election period, agencies operate under caretaker conventions, which affect announcements, approvals and what officials can say.
• Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) and Freedom of Information Act 2016 (ACT). Correspondence with Commonwealth and ACT government bodies may later be released.
• Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002 (ACT). Defamation in the ACT is governed by this Act, which reflects the national reforms. Where a story raises defamation concerns, we work alongside your lawyers.
• Planning Act 2023 (ACT). ACT planning matters carry their own consultation requirements, which shape community engagement on local projects.

Canberra combines a local media market with the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery, which reports national politics and policy for outlets across the country. A story pitched to the gallery is a national story. Sitting weeks are crowded, and an announcement can disappear under Question Time; non-sitting weeks can offer more room. We plan timing around the parliamentary calendar and the policy cycle, including the federal Budget.

We travel to Canberra for planning workshops, executive briefings, media training and important announcements. Day-to-day work runs remotely by phone, email and video. Many Canberra engagements involve issues management around policy changes and inquiries, stakeholder engagement with government and members, and media training for people preparing to appear before a committee. We also provide media relations and policy commentary and opinion pieces.

Jim Oliver, Consulting Partner. Jim is a public relations adviser with extensive experience in media and communications. He helps businesses, organisations and individuals shape their story, manage their reputation and communicate clearly with the media and the people who matter to them. Read Jim’s profile.

See also public relations in Melbourne, where our office is, and public relations in Sydney. We also work with clients in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and Darwin.

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