Policy & Strategy Division
INTRODUCTION
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 at both the State and Federal level, to secure an outcome.
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. We never criticise a person but most certainly question decisions.
At the moment almost no one in the policy environment genuinely supports SMEs. And that needs to change.
Neutrality
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. And dinner parties and events is not engagement. Outcomes rely on planning and strategy.
The Policy Cycle
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 series of defined phases: policy development, consultation, implementation and then finally, evaluation.
Within this framework you have a series of obstacles and actors. These actors can be peak groups, think tanks and powerful ‘gatekeepers’. We analyse all of this to: a. design a strategy, and; b. deliver for clients.
Supporting Clients
Our Clients
We raised $9.5M for a Queensland Indigenous organisation in the drug and alcohol space via a joint Federal / Queensland State Government funding arrangement.
Indigenous affairs
Global manufacturers engaged us to design an emissions platform for spark-driven engines in Australia that met USA EPA regulations. 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.
Emmissions
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.
Oceans policy
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.
Mining
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.
