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Stephen has pursued extremely successful careers in both the political and corporate arenas and is uniquely placed to offer-high level strategic advice to public and private sector clients.
A former Australian Senator, General Secretary of the NSW ALP and ALP National President, Stephen has specialist experience in international affairs, public policy, legislative process and major infrastructure projects.
Stephen holds several high profile appointments including Chairman of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Chair of the Woomera Prohibited Area Advisory Board, Senior Vice President of the European Australian Business Council and is Deputy Chair of the Asia Society, Australia. His deep understanding of the dynamics affecting business and government, locally and globally, is invaluable in enabling organisations to tackle complex issues and challenges.
Stephen serves on the Advisory Boards of Crescent Capital Partners, Thales Australia and the Salvation Army and on the Board of the St James Ethics Centre. He served for over a decade on the Partnership Executive Committee of the National Rugby League. Stephen is a respected author, journalist and commentator. His contributions include chapters to the books Australian-American Relations: Looking Toward the Next Century by William T. Tow and The Wran Era by Troy Bramston. He is a regular contributor to the Review pages of The Australian and is a commentator on Australian and American politics for Sky News, the ABC and SBS.
Areas of expertise include:
Stephen has acted as an adviser to Government and therefore understands the unique issues facing public policy makers, enabling him to provide strategic advice to companies embarking upon major projects and investment initiatives. Stephen specialises in advice to clients seeking to place views before Parliamentary Committees or to respond to public enquiries. Stephen understands the need to balance government processes, priorities and the public interest against a complex political backdrop. Stephen advises corporate clients in this area and often interfaces between the public and private sectors.
Stephen has been at the forefront of the provision of strategic infrastructure development in this country for many years. He regularly engages in close consultations with private and public organisations that are working to deliver major infrastructure initiatives. Stephen’s practice in this area is informed by a strong understanding of relevant government policy frameworks, regulations and industry developments. In addition, Stephen has a particular strength in the area of workplace relations.
With First Class Honours degrees in Politics and the Law, Stephen has a thorough understanding of administrative, constitutional and statutory law, as well as legislative requirements and processes. More than this, Stephen understands how the complex world of political representation and Parliamentary advocacy can shape the legislative process and is able to advise clients accordingly in this area.
Stephen has first-hand experience reviewing and scrutinising public policy in the Senate and is particularly familiar with policy surrounding defence, foreign affairs and trade. As Chairman of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Stephen seeks to preside over an organisation which furnishes fresh ideas on Australia's defence and strategic policy. This role is complemented domestically by Stephen's service as Chair of the Committee for Sydney which has caused Stephen to take an active role in public policy issues of major consequence for Greater Sydney