Episodes
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As cities around the world grapple with a wave of disinformation, how can they fight back and restore public trust? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with Ika Trijsburg, leader of the Disinformation in the City project, to tackle this urgent question. Ika unveils the Global Response Playbook, a powerful toolkit designed to help cities counter false information at a local level. She walks us through its three-phase approach—pre-empting, pre-bunking, and debunking—and shows how cities can become hubs of trust and resilience.
Drawing on many years of experience in city diplomacy and local government, Ika shares stories and insights on why disinformation impacts every layer of city life, from elected officials to public service teams. With her unique perspective, Ika emphasises the power of collaboration and the critical role cities play in protecting their communities. Full of actionable insights and real optimism, this episode is a must-listen for government communicators and public sector leaders who are ready to step up in the fight against disinformation.
Discussed in this episode:How disinformation challenges local governments and impacts public trust.A three-phase strategy to tackle disinformation.Why cities are well-positioned to address disinformation where people experience policy firsthand.The importance of community-focused strategies to build trust and counter disinformation.Partnerships within and beyond government strengthen resilience to disinformation.How cities worldwide can share strategies and amplify impact through diplomatic collaboration.Show notes:- Disinformation in the City Response Playbook | University of Melbourne
- Disinformation in the City Project | University of Melbourne
- Melbourne Centre for Cities | University of Melbourne
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What happens when disaster strikes?
In this second-part episode of the GovComms Podcast, crisis communication expert Michael Player shares his experiences managing some of New Zealand’s most significant crises, including the Rena oil spill and Pike River mining disaster. Michael gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how he led teams through media storms, community unrest, and logistical challenges in the heart of chaos.
Michael reveals the strategies that helped him succeed under pressure—building strong communication teams, adapting plans in real time, and working closely with local communities. His stories showcase the power of collaboration and the human side of crisis management.
As crises become more common, how can we be better prepared? Michael discusses the need for frequent training and the importance of involving communities in recovery efforts. Whether you're in government communication or just curious, this episode offers key insights into managing chaos and building trust when it matters most.
Discussed in this episode:· Managing communication during disasters
· Assembling strong, adaptable crisis teams.
· Community involvement in disaster recovery efforts.
· Frequent tabletop exercises for crisis prep.
· Balancing media demands and operational focus.
· Collaborating across government and local agencies.
Show notes:- Tragedy at Pike River Mine – Rebecca Macfie
- The Rena grounding | NZ GOV
- Pike River | NZ GOV Royal Commission
- Exercise and Preparedness Tools | FEMA
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Missing episodes?
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What does it take to navigate a decades-long career in government communications while navigating ethics, changing media landscapes, and building lasting influence?
In this special two-part episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with Michael Player, a communications veteran with nearly five decades experience. From his very first job to his long stint with NZ Police, Michael shares the highs and lows of working in public sector communications.
Join us as Michael reflects on the ethical backbone of the profession, revealing how great communicators must speak truth to power, even when it's uncomfortable. Michael’s journey is full of wisdom for both introverts and extroverts alike, proving that in a people-first profession, it’s the quiet listeners who often make the biggest impact.
This episode is packed with insights on how to navigate the shifting tides of today’s media landscape, where misinformation abounds, and how to maintain influence in an ever-evolving field. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, Michael’s career lessons on leadership, ethics, and crisis management will inspire you to step up, take initiative, and become a true communications leader.
Discussed in this episode:· Importance of initiative and building rapport
· Ethical responsibility and speaking truth to power
· The three A’s: accessibility, affordability, ability
· Being a good listener
· The evolving media landscape and digital platforms
· Career advice: patience and continuous learning
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How can digital communications spark real-world change and drive social impact? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke speaks with Nicholas Bruneau, a global leader in digital advocacy and purpose-led marketing. Together, they explore how Nicholas’ AGILE Framework for social impact communications inspires organisations to leverage digital tools, tell compelling stories, and mobilise communities. Through real-world examples like the “Raise Your Hand” campaign, which raised over $4 billion for global education, Nicholas reveals how digital strategies can inspire lasting movements and revolutionise public sector communications.
Discussed in this episode:· Digital communications for social impact through advocacy.
· AGILE Framework empowering public sector organisations.
· "Raise Your Hand" campaign
· Storytelling and digital tools to drive community engagement
· Post-pandemic shifts and growing risk aversion in digital strategy
· Data-driven strategies for greater communication impact
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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.
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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.
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In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, host David Pembroke interviews Alison Senti, a strategic communications professional with a career spanning both public and private sectors. Alison shares her journey from hotel management and legal marketing to consulting at KPMG, and various positions within government departments. Alison outlines the role of government communicators during major events, drawing on her experiences with the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit.
This episode also explores the importance of social cohesion, evaluation, and accountability in government communication. Alison shares insights on the future of the public sector and reflects on the evolving landscape of government communication and the vital role it plays in supporting public trust and policy implementation.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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/wprf
Discussed 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 PRHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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.
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In this episode of GovComms, we are joined by Mardi Stewart, the Branch Manager of Campaigns and Strategic Communication at the Department of Social Services.
As a leader with extensive experience in strategic communication and public campaigns, Mardi shares insights on creating impactful and award-winning campaigns. From the foundational aspects of embracing a learning mindset to the intricacies of campaign management, she highlights the multifaceted approach required to navigate and excel in government communications.
Leadership in public communication not only involves the strategic dissemination of information but also encompasses fostering resilience and passion among communication professionals. Mardi emphasises the importance of loving what you do, and that passion fuels perseverance and success in any professional endeavor.
Mardi also explores the role of public communication campaigns in addressing societal issues and enhancing community well-being. She outlines the structured processes behind successful campaigns, from initial research to creative development and rigorous evaluation.
Discussed in this episode:
Mardi Stewart's journey and passion in public sector communications.Key campaigns like "Stop it at the Start" and community awareness initiatives.Importance of mentorship and professional networks in communications.Challenges and shifts in media landscapes impacting government communication.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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In this episode of GovComms, we continue our conversation with Bevan Hannan, General Manager of the Communications Division at Services Australia.
Bevan delves into the complexities of government communication, drawing on his extensive experience to explore how crises like the Bali bombings have shaped public narratives and the role of media in managing these narratives.
Bevan reflects on the human aspects of communications and shares lessons learned from coordinating the government's response and supporting affected families. He explains how he strategically used media to maintain control over the public discourse and ensure sensitive handling of the aftermath.
The conversation also ventures into the future of communication in public service, particularly the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Bevan discusses the potential for AI to enhance service delivery and improve the accessibility and efficiency of government communications.
The episode takes a reflective turn as he addresses the Robodebt scandal, considering its impact on public trust and the essential role of integrity in government communications.
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In this episode of the GovComms Podcast, we are joined by Bevan Hannan, General Manager of the Communications Division at Services Australia.
Bevan shares insights into the nuances of crisis communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, and outlines the strategies and technologies employed by Services Australia to manage public information needs effectively.
Bevan also discusses the challenges and strategies of maintaining team dynamics in a remote and hybrid work settings, and emphasises the importance of a supportive and collaborative culture. He highlights how his team adapted to ensure productivity and engagement despite the distance.
Furthermore, Bevan explores the significant role of government spokespeople in delivering complex information to the public. He stresses the importance of trusted, non-political figures in building public trust and ensuring clear communication from the government.
Discussed in this episode:
Impact of mentorship and networking in Bevan's early career development.Bevan's lessons from transitioning from sports journalism to the public service.Balancing between in-person and remote work for team effectiveness.Evolution of government communication practices pre and post-COVID.Follow GovComms Podcast on LinkedIn
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In this episode of GovComms, we are joined once again by Stephanie Speck, who is now the Head of Communications for the Green Climate Fund, for a conversation focusing on effective climate change communication.
With extensive experience in public sector communication globally, Stephanie shares insights into empowering climate-impacted communities to tell their authentic stories through "Story Sovereignty." This approach humanises climate change and grounds narratives in real-life experiences.
Stephanie also delves into the strategic evolution of the Green Climate Fund's communication, moving from output-focused tactics to strategies that prioritise reputation, return on investment, and relationship building, aiming to enhance global impact and drive effective climate action.
The conversation explores the challenge of misinformation in climate discourse, with Stephanie highlighting strategies to counter false narratives and the emphasising the importance of accurate communication in building trust and consensus on climate issues.
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This time on GovComms we are joined by Andrea Garcia, a communication professional with over 15 years’ experience working for various organisations.
Andrea shares her stories working in UNICEF, Weber Shandwick and the New York State Court System in the United States and the Canberra Light Rail project, Museum of Australian Democracy (MOAD), and the Canberra Institute of Technology in Canberra, Australia.
Discussed in this episode:
Andrea's work across various sectors, including government, non-profit, and private sectors.The importance and strategies of stakeholder engagement and community consultationThe role of integrated marketing communications in effectively disseminating information and engaging with diverse audiences.The transition from working in high-profile, private sector roles to more community-focused, public sector positions.Follow GovComms Podcast on LinkedIn
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In this episode of GovComms Podcast, we are joined by Ruth Dewsbury, a communication strategist with more than 20 years’ experience in government communications in the Australian federal government. Her most recent role was as a Senior Director of Communications at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Along with host David Pembroke, Ruth reflects on the significant changes in the communication landscape, particularly the shift from traditional methods like typewriters and carbon paper to the digital revolution, which introduced new communication channels and tools, and the impact of the 24-hour news cycle.
“Things have changed massively in the whole communications land... Especially with the digital revolution.” – Ruth DewsburyRuth emphasises the need for clear communication objectives by ‘going back to the basics’, and clear outcomes to effectively determine target audiences, messages, and channels.
“While there have been massive changes, a lot hasn't changed like the general approach to communications, strategic communications in its entirety hasn't changed, and in some ways, I think there's a real need to get back to basics." – Ruth DewsburyRuth also talks about the unique challenges of communicating about climate change, including dealing with disinformation, engaging diverse audiences, and the importance of addressing climate anxiety, especially among young people.
“Disinformation has just gone wild, and different groups in the community are responding in different ways. There's huge climate anxiety with young people, in particular, something like 67% of young people think." – Ruth DewsburyTune in to gain insights into gathering authentic stories to make government communications more relatable and effective, and more.
Show notes:
Ruth Dewsbury | LinkedInFollow GovComms Podcast on LinkedIn
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GovComms Podcast is back with brand new episodes.
Our first episode of the season welcomes back Alex Aiken, the Executive Director for Government Communications in the UK, who was our very first guest when the podcast debuted in 2015 as the 'InTransition Podcast'. The landscape of government communication has evolved since then, and this episode dives into the latest developments.
Host David Pembroke and Alex Aiken explore the collaborative efforts between the UK Government Communication Service (GCS) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Alex sheds light on the OECD's role in auditing and evaluating the UK's government communication practices, sharing insights into the process.
“One of the things that the OECD asked us to do was submit UK Government Communications to a what they call a country scan. What they really mean is an audit of UK Government Communications and the report we published next month early in February. Now that takes a degree of courage.” – Alex AikenThe episode also delves into the UK Government's communication response to the war in Ukraine.
“When it was inevitable that the Russians were set to invade then we set up what we call the Government Information Cell. This was to bring together all the specialists that you need to deliver modern high volume communications into one place so we could have a fast, coordinated, and effective UK Government Communications response.” – Alex AikenIn a world where disinformation is rampant and synthetic media is an emerging threat, Alex emphasises the importance of compelling storytelling.
“I think that the absolutely central point is unless you can tell your story brilliantly, you will fall victim to disinformation. On the 24th of February 2022, I listened to Boris Johnson thinking through the challenges we faced... 'Putin must fail.' That is our policy. Putin must fail." And that in a sense is a story that we told then and a story we're telling now" – Alex AikenFurthermore, Alex discusses the potential of artificial intelligence, and how the UK government seeks to use it as a ‘force for good’.
“The London Summit recently had a whole range of countries around the world looking at the threats but also the opportunities. As the Government Communication Service, we are seeking to bring together all the plans, the strategies, the knowledge that we have and create a large language model where we can plug all that in" – Alex AikenTune in to gain insights into the UK Government’s strategic communication frameworks, such as OASIS and PITCH, and much more.
Discussed in this episode:
The evolving role of government communication.Impact of technology and the challenge of mis- and disinformation.OECD's involvement in government communication.UK Government’s strategic frameworks: OASIS and PITCH.The importance of international collaboration.Show notes:
Guide to campaign planning: OASIS | Government Communication ServiceLaunch of PITCH: a strategic communication tool | Government Communication ServiceFollow GovComms Podcast on LinkedIn
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