Event

What happens when the Federal Election dust has settled?

Join us at Morris House in Melbourne on Tuesday 13 May 2025 for an exclusive Federal Election debrief, where leading experts will unpack the implications of the result for government relations professionals. We will explore how the outcome may shape policy direction, economic priorities, and the strategic environment for advocacy and public affairs.

This discussion will also consider what the election results reveal about the Australian public – what matters to them now, and how this may influence the agenda in the months ahead.

We are excited to announce our panelists: Tony Barry, Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications at RedBridge Group, Annika Smethurst, outgoing State Political Editor of The Age, and Richard Willingham, journalist and state political reporter for ABC.

Tony Barry – Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications at RedBridge Group.

Tony Barry offers over 25 years expertise in media management, communications, risk management, policy development, strategy and qualitative and quantitative research. He has been a regular commentator on SKY News, 2GB, ABC and MTR and worked on five election telecasts and broadcasts including Channel 9 and the ABC. Tony is also co-host of the politics podcast Back to Back Barries alongside Barry Cassidy.

Annika Smethurst – outgoing State Political Editor of The Age.

Annika is a double Walkley award winner and has three Quill awards for political reporting. She is known for her work on press freedom, and has authored the book The Accidental Prime Minister. Annika is a regular commentator on ABC’s Insiders, The Drum, and Sky News, and former National Political Editor for the Sunday Telegraph and Sunday Herald Sun.

Richard Willingham – Victoria’s State Political Reporter at the ABC.

Richard is a journalist and state political reporter for the ABC based in Melbourne. He joined the ABC in 2017 after seven years covering Victorian and federal politics at The Age. He covers Victorian politics and government, focusing on legislation, law, and legal affairs. With extensive experience in reporting on state politics, Willingham provides in-depth analysis and insights into the workings of the Victorian government and its impact on the community.

This event is proudly sponsored by ReithGordon.

Seats are limited – secure your spot today!

Meet our Sponsor – ReithGordon

We would like to extend a special thank you to our event sponsor. ReithGordon offer a contemporary approach to executive search and recruitment with a clear mission: To helping organisations find the best talent in corporate affairs, communications, government relations and investor relations and to be a trusted source of industry knowledge and insights. ReithGordon supports professionals as they grow their careers over the long term and bring them opportunities that match their aspirations, align with their values, and broaden their horizons.