GovComms: The Future of Government Communication

What if small behavioural tweaks could transform government policies and change society for the better?In this exciting episode of GovComms, David Pembroke chats with Sharon Rosenrauch, Principal Behavioural Scientist at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water. They uncover the powerful impact of behavioural science in the public sector, diving into how these insights can tackle misinformation, drive lasting change, and strengthen collaboration between scientists and communicators. Plus, she introduces game-changing tools like the EAST framework that are helping government departments revolutionise their strategies for more effective communication.

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, Adrian Brown, Executive Director of the Centre for Public Impact, explores the evolving role of government in society and the importance of public legitimacy, trust, and resilience. Adrian discusses how governments can adapt to crises like COVID-19 by becoming more agile and citizen-centered, and highlights the role of innovation in public administration. Adrian also shares strategies for improving government-citizen communication, the significance of cross-sector collaboration, and the ethical considerations necessary for successful government innovation.

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke interviews Bob Jensen, a leading expert in crisis communication with over four decades of experience in emergency and disaster risk management. The episode dives into Jensen's extensive career, including his roles in the US Air Force, the State Department, and FEMA, as well as his work with international organizations like the World Bank. Jensen shares insights from his career, emphasizing the importance of having robust systems in place for effective crisis communication and the need for regular training and exercises to ensure preparedness.Jensen discusses the critical role of crisis communication in managing public perception, particularly in the face of disinformation. He introduces the concept of pre-bunking, where organisations anticipate and address potential disinformation before it spreads, and highlights the increasing use of AI by malicious actors to create deepfakes and spread false narratives. Jensen stresses the importance of understanding and countering these tactics, using technology to detect manipulated content, and developing clear, proactive communication strategies.The conversation also touches on the challenges of communicating the impacts of climate change and the necessity of making such information relatable and understandable for the public. Jensen emphasises the importance of empathy and respect in communication, particularly when addressing widespread issues like climate change.

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke sits down with Stanley Henry, founder and CEO of The Attention Seeker, a New Zealand-based, New York-inspired advertising agency. Stanley shares his fascinating journey from growing up in South Auckland to establishing a successful career in hospitality, which eventually led him to start his own agency. He emphasises the importance of understanding and engaging with audiences by creating content that resonates with them rather than focusing solely on the message the speaker wants to convey.Stanley elaborates on how The Attention Seeker transitioned from leveraging LinkedIn for personal branding to becoming a full-service agency offering content creation across multiple platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. He details their iterative content production process, which involves constant testing and refining based on performance data to ensure effective communication. Stanley also discusses the diverse range of clients they serve, from small businesses to large corporations, and the consistent onboarding process that ensures a deep understanding of each client's needs.Throughout the conversation, Stanley provides valuable insights for government communicators, stressing the need to focus on what their audience wants to hear and to integrate their messages into existing narratives. He cites the example of Jacinda Ardern's social media strategy to illustrate how effectively listening to and engaging with the audience can lead to successful communication.

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke speaks with Dr. Nathan Borgford-Parnell, the science lead at the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) Secretariat. Dr. Borgford-Parnell provides an in-depth look at the CCAC's mission to mitigate short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), such as methane, black carbon, hydrofluorocarbons, and tropospheric ozone. He emphasises the coalition's efforts to integrate climate and air pollution policies to achieve multiple benefits, including improved public health, labor rights, and population resiliency. The discussion highlights the scientific understanding of SLCPs, their sources, and the immediate and long-term advantages of reducing emissions.The conversation dives into the challenges of communicating the complexities of climate change and the importance of presenting climate actions as delivering multiple benefits to various communities. Dr. Borgford-Parnell critiques the limitations of using CO2 equivalents as a metric for all greenhouse gases, advocating for a more nuanced approach to treating each pollutant as unique. He provides real-world examples of how different pollutants interact with ecosystems and human health, illustrating the need for tailored communication and policy development.Dr. Borgford-Parnell also addresses the impact of misinformation and disinformation on climate action, offering strategies to combat these challenges by focusing on the multiple benefits and engaging diverse constituencies. He shares his optimism about the potential to achieve climate goals through existing technologies and policies, despite the current trajectory of global emissions.

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke welcomes back Jennifer Muir, a communication professional with over 25 years of experience in the not-for-profit, government, social impact, and civil society sectors.Jennifer, who has recently been appointed to the Global Alliance board for Public Relations and Communication Management, shares insights into the Global Alliance's mission and her role in leading international collaborations and community connections across the Asia-Pacific region. Her discussion emphasises the rapid growth of the communication profession in Asia and the need for aligning professional standards globally.The conversation also discusses the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the communications field. Jennifer highlights the importance of a human-centered approach to AI, urging communication professionals to understand and responsibly use AI tools. She discusses the slower adoption of AI in government due to regulatory and privacy concerns, contrasting it with the faster-paced technology advancements in the private sector.Jennifer also shares information about the upcoming World PR Conference (WPRF) in Bali in November 2024, a great opportunity for communicators for professional growth and networking opportunities. More information about this conference can be found at: https://www.globalalliancepr.org/wprfDiscussed in this episode:Professional capability frameworks and their alignment in the ASEAN region.Importance of trust and transparency in corporate and government communications.Role of the Public Relations Institute of Australia and its recent name change.The benefits of attending international communication conferences for professional development.Show notes:Jennifer Muir | LinkedInWorld Public Relations Forum | Global Alliance PR

In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke interviews Tim Gavel, a veteran sports broadcaster who has transitioned into the role of Media Director at Sport Integrity Australia, an Australian Government agency aimed at promoting safe and fair sports.Tim shares insights from his extensive career in media and broadcasting, detailing his journey from a disc jockey in Western Queensland to a highly respected commentator in Canberra. The discussion highlights his relentless work ethic and the skills he developed over decades, which he now applies to his current role in the public service.Tim provides an in-depth look at the multifaceted issues managed by Sport Integrity Australia, including anti-doping, sexual abuse, integrity in sports betting, and racial abuse. He discusses the dynamic leadership of David Sharpe, the CEO of Sport Integrity Australia, and the challenges of building a robust framework for the organisation on the go. Tim elaborates on his daily routine, which involves early morning media analysis and maintaining strong relationships with journalists to ensure transparency and accurate reporting.The conversation also touches on the importance of collaboration with key stakeholders, such as the Minister’s office and national sports organisations. Discussed in this episode:Tim’s strategy for handling media inquiries and building trust with journalists.The role of the National Integrity Framework in Australian sports.The evolution of Sport Integrity Australia’s communication strategies.Innovative educational initiatives for athletes using virtual reality.

In this episode of GovComms, we are joined by Strath Gordon, Head of Public Affairs and Communications at the Australian Olympic Committee.With the 2024 Paris Olympics starting in July, Strath shares insights into the planning involved in preparing for the Olympic games, including the introduction of 460 Australian athletes to the public and the coordination required to manage media coverage for the event. He emphasises the importance of storytelling in sports communication, and discusses the AOC’s plans for effective on-ground media communication in Paris to ensure all athletes receive appropriate coverage and support.Reflecting on the Tokyo Olympics, Strath highlights the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, from the postponement of the games to maintaining constant communication with athletes to keep their spirits high. He touches on the lessons learned during this period, such as the critical role of effective communication and the necessity of leveraging technology to stay connected with stakeholders.Strath outlines how the AOC adapts to the rise of streaming services and digital media by providing content that enhances the viewing experience across various platforms. Additionally, the conversation highlights the AOC's community engagement efforts, such as the Olympics Unleashed Program, which aims to inspire young Australians by connecting them with Olympians.