Policy & Strategy Division
There are numerous similarities between policy, project management and change management. All three disciplines have a very similar cyclical pattern. Understanding and adhering to this cycle is what delivers success. We teach clients how to strategically approach the policy environment to secure an outcome.
THE POLICY CYCLE
Policy - or public policy - is essentially the art of politics. Policy is everywhere; whether we like it or not. If you wish to export globally, run a tourism business or manufacture locally, the policy environment has a lot to say about what you can do and/or how you go about it. A lot of businesses struggle to engage with the policy / political environment successfully. But its really not that complex and we show yoou how.
NEUTRALITY
It’s important to know off the bat that we are 100% politically neutral. We lobby and negotiate with any political party, shire, council or politician to secure an outcome for a client.
SUPPORTING CLIENTS
The fundamental mistake many make is believing they understand politics and the policy environment, by reading the newspaper. The policy cycle is a defined cycle starting generally with an idea (policy solution needed) and then moves through a policy development stage, consultation period, implementation and then finally evaluation. Within this framework you have a series of obstacles and actors from policy networks, vested interests, agenda setting challenges through to, ‘…what drivers do we use or promote to achieve the outcome’? For example, will voluntary compliance achieve the policy objective or, do we need to advocate for economic solutions - user pays - to change behaviour?
Either way, we map all of this out very quickly for clients and develop a comprehensive strategic plan.
Our Clients
Indigenous affairs
We raised $9.5M for a Queensland Indigenous organisation in the drug and alcohol space via a joint Federal / Queensland State Government funding arrangement.
Emmissions
Global manufacturers engaged us to create an emissions platform for spark-driven engines in Australia that met USA EPA rules. We succeeded in aligning Australia with major markets, while preventing dirty 2-stroke technology from being sold here. A key factor was SMEA obtaining Federal Ministerial exemptions for the defence force, remote and Indigenous use, and Surf Life Saving Australia.
Oceans policy
John Dumphy, owner of Shimano Australia, hired us to create a new approach to marine conservation. A major focus was to create an environment where recreational and commercial fishing, light manufacturing, aquaculture, outboard engine, and related sectors, could come together to discuss policy of mutual importance. By doing so, we were able to communicate a clear and consistent message to the government.
Mining
A West Australian business asked us to help with a dispute against a major Chinese mining company. We developed a strategy and collaborated with legal teams and company executives, to achieve a resolution across a very complicated issue.
SMEA was hired by a prominent Sydney councillor and business owner to assess the Urban Renewal of Oxford Street. At that time, there were around 80 empty retail shops and no one knew why. We conducted thorough research and transformed Oxford Street into a kaleidoscope of intrigue and beauty, whilst leveraging the economic value of key business sectors like fashion, retail and hospitality.
Clients who have asked us to represent them
