Delve into hypothetical yet realistic crisis scenarios, where critical infrastructure failure leads to loss of life, injuries, and allegations of corruption.

The session will be moderated by Holding Redlich Partner and Chair Ian Robertson. In the hypothetical scenario, Holding Redlich’s Sydney Managing Partner Stephen Trew will be the General Counsel to the Department. Experienced former Ministerial adviser and ABC journalist from GRA Cosway, Brigid Glanville will be the Chief of Staff to the Premier. Ben Wilson and Sophie Hull from GRA Cosway, who each have extensive experience in broadcast journalism and Ministerial and government advice, will be SMH journalists.

Discover strategies for safeguarding your portfolio’s performance and reputation during times of crisis. 

SPEAKERS

Ian Robertson AO
Partner and Chair
Holding Redlich

Ian is a corporate, commercial, media and regulatory lawyer who heads the Technology, Media and Telecommunications practice of national law firm Holding Redlich.  He is also the Chair of the firm. Ian has over 35 years’ experience of working for government clients, and understands the strategic, policy and public interest factors which motivate and guide government decision-making. He has had frequent dealings with Ministers and senior agency executives over a long period and has provided legal advice to State and Commonwealth Government Ministers, including two former Prime Ministers. He also has extensive experience in advising public and private sector clients in crisis management situations.

Ian has held a number of public and private sector Board appointments including President of the Board of the Victorian Government screen agency, Film Victoria, Deputy Chair of the Australian Government screen agency, Screen Australia, board member of the Australian Broadcasting Authority, director and Chair of Ausfilm, director and Deputy Chair of Film Australia Limited, and director of the ASX-listed screen production and distribution group, Beyond International Limited.  He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Stephen Trew
NSW & ACT Managing Partner
Holding Redlich

Stephen has significant experience in all aspects of workplace relations and safety. He provides a wide range of strategic advice and protects clients’ interests in all applicable Courts and Tribunals. In addition to this general expertise, Stephen has a broad range of experience and expertise in advising on the conduct and management of investigations as well as representing clients in regulatory investigations.

Stephen has been named for a number of years in various guides. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in Australia guide as a leading lawyer for Labour and Employment Law since 2017. Stephen is also listed in the latest Who’s Who Legal: Australia directory for Labour, Employment & Benefits.

Ben Wilson
Managing Partner, Transactions and Corporate
GRACosway

Based in Sydney, Ben is jointly responsible for oversight of GRACosway’s corporate and financial communications practice.

Ben has more than 30 years’ experience as a journalist and trusted communications adviser to both corporate and government leaders.

He provides communications counsel to a broad range of clients in relation to complex and sensitive projects and is highly specialised in advising on transactions and critical financial matters.

Ben also leads GRACosway’s media and presentation training sessions for senior executives in the corporate, investment banking, and professional services sectors.

Prior to joining GRACosway, Ben was the Senior Media Adviser and spokesperson for a former NSW Premier. He was also Senior Media Adviser to a NSW Health Minister, and Energy and Utilities Minister.

Before his career in politics, Ben held a number of journalism roles with the ABC, including three years as NSW Parliamentary Reporter for ABC TV, and prior to that, Africa correspondent for ABC TV and Radio. Ben has also worked in current affairs with ABC Radio.

Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) from the University of South Australia.

Brigid Glanville
Director, Government Communications
GRACosway

Based in the firm’s Sydney office, Brigid works with GRACosway’s government clients to deliver strategic and corporate communications programs in support of complex reform and transaction projects. She is a respected policy and communications professional with 25 years’ experience working in politics, government, stakeholder relations and media.

Brigid has an unmatched blend of expertise and insight into the nuances of public policy formulation, regulatory processes and stakeholder engagement.

Her unique skillset and extensive networks across government departments and agencies, regulators, and the political, media, and business landscapes enable her to effectively develop and deliver strategic and impactful public sector communication programs at the state and federal levels of government.

Prior to joining GRACosway, Brigid was Deputy Chief of Staff to a NSW Minister for Regional Health, Mental Health and Women and the Minister for Education, where she provided critical support to the government and stakeholders as Australia grappled with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brigid was also the ABC’s Chief NSW Political Editor for a decade and was a presenter on ABC TV News Channel. Brigid has also held a number of senior reporter roles, both in Australia and overseas, across TV and radio news and current affairs, specialising in politics, business, agriculture and mining.

Brigid has a Bachelor of Arts (Communications) from Charles Sturt University and is an Ambassador for The Gidget Foundation, a not-for-profit that supports parents suffering from peri-natal depression and anxiety.

Sophie Hull
Associate Director, Corporate and Financial Communications
GRACosway

Based in Sydney, Sophie provides strategic communications services and support to GRACosway’s government and corporate clients. She draws on over 20 years of experience to deliver expert counsel and advice across media relations, crisis communications, corporate affairs, and stakeholder engagement.

A highly experienced media strategist and political adviser, Sophie has held both in-house and consulting roles across newsrooms, industry and government.

Prior to joining GRACosway, Sophie worked on major infrastructure projects, including Western Sydney Airport and Westconnex, where she delivered strategic communications counsel, media management services and external affairs advice. 

Previously, Sophie was a Director of Communications for a deputy leader of a state political party and worked directly with senior state government leaders through major crisis events, including bushfires, the COVID-19 pandemic, and flooding events, to communicate rapid policy changes and implement complex, multi-level communications plans.

The first two decades of her career were spent as a broadcast journalist with on-air roles at the BBC, Channel 7, and Sky Business.  

Sophie holds a Bachelor of Arts (Communications) from Griffith University with majors in Broadcast Journalism and Film and Media.
 

How to register

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Event Details 

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