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 either teach clients on how to strategically approach the policy environment at both the State and Federal level or we do the work for them to secure an outcome.

It’s important to be clear upfront that we are 100% politically neutral.

We will negotiate with any political party, shire, council or politician to secure an outcome for a client. We also never criticise a person or political actor. We’ll most certainly question decisions by individuals and criticise a political parties policy position. But we do so professionally and empirically.

Small to Medium Enterprise Australia - Policy and Strategy

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 party is not engagement.

Outcomes rely on planning and strategy and the problem many make is to believe they understand the policy environment because they read the newspaper. That’s where we come in.

The Policy Cycle

The fundamental mistake many make is believing they understand politics and the policy environment, by watching a pod cast or 7:30 Report.

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 drivers, gatekeepers, obstacles and actors. These actors could be peak groups, think tanks or powerful people who are there to look after a vested interest.

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.

Contact Us

If you need support or have an issue you need strategic advice on, reach out. Working with clients to achieve outcomes with government is what we do. You don’t need to do it alone. Working with us means you bring to the table a much larger more powerful force.

Clients who have asked us to represent or work with them.