GovComms: The Future of Government Communication

What if everything you thought you knew about effective communication was wrong?

In this episode, host David Pembroke speaks with James Healy, founder of The Behaviour Boutique and co-author of BS at Work. James has worked in more than 60 countries and brings deep insights from behavioural science, anthropology, and psychology to the challenges facing modern organisations and governments.

James unpacks why so much of work is “BS” and why policies often fail to change behaviour. He shows how context shapes decisions, why storytelling matters, and shares the simple EAST framework to help communicators cut through.

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What do bushfires, TikTok, and police comms have in common?

For Kendall Masters, they’ve each shaped a sharp, no-nonsense approach to government communication.

In this episode, she joins David Pembroke to unpack what it really takes to build trust, cut through the noise, and connect with the public — especially when time and attention are in short supply.

Kendall shares lessons in agility, authenticity, and strategic clarity, from rolling out TikTok with Victoria Police to managing emergency comms during the 2019–20 bushfires and COVID-19. They explore the limits of video, the myth of reach...

Is your comms team keeping up, or just keeping busy?

In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with Mitchell Dye, the dynamic voice behind the City of Greater Geelong’s external communications. From community radio to leading digital strategy, Mitchell shares a front-row view of how local government is reinventing the way it engages with citizens—one authentic story at a time.

David and Mitchell unpack what it takes to stand out in the crowded digital landscape, why the best communicators aren’t always in the comms team, and how to build...

How will AI reshape the future of government communications—and what skills will you need to thrive?

In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke is joined by Wayne Aspland, expert in public sector communication and AI strategy, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the role of communicators today and into 2030.

Wayne shares how government teams can build AI capability, drive strategic alignment, and stay trusted in an era of rapid technological change. He also explains why human creativity, leadership, and critical thinking will be even more essential as automation accelerates.

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What happens when your council loses public trust—and you’re the one answering the questions?

In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Chloe Casey, Manager of Communications and Corporate Governance at the City of Casey, about leading through the fallout of the Operation Sandon investigation.

Chloe shares how her team managed misinformation, community confusion, and the absence of elected councillors for almost five years, all while ensuring communications remained clear, composed, and responsive.

She also reveals how they’re using AI, short-form video, and cold outreach to connect with the Ci...

What if the best ideas in your team are the ones you never hear?

In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Richard Etienne—internal communications expert, author of The Introvert’s Survival Guide, and founder of The Introvert Space. Together, they explore how introverts can lead, influence, and thrive in workplaces that often reward volume over value.

From overcoming self-doubt to navigating hybrid work, Richard shares powerful, practical strategies to help introverts find their voice—without having to shout. He also offers advice for leaders on how to build inclusive teams where every...

Trust is on life support. People are tuning out. Tech is speeding up. Noise is everywhere. So how can government communicators break through?

In this powerhouse episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke is joined by Ros Weadman – strategic communication expert, author, and driving force behind the Elevate Local Government Communications Summit 2025 – to unpack what it really takes to cut through and connect in today’s chaotic communication landscape.

Ros doesn’t pull punches. With four decades in the game, she makes it clear: the old ways of pushing messages just won’t cut it. It's time to di...

Is Google still the king of search or has AI changed the game forever?

The way people find information is undergoing the biggest shift in decades and government communicators can’t afford to be left behind. In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Jim Stewart, CEO of Stewart Media, about the seismic shift in digital search and what it means for public sector communication.

A 25-year SEO veteran, Jim explains why this transformation is as significant as the birth of the internet and how government agencies can stay visible in AI-driven searches. Fr...

Great communicators aren’t born—they’re made.

In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke chats with Dr. Louise Mahler, an expert in leadership communication, about the art of presence, authenticity, and confidence. With a background in business and opera, Louise brings a unique perspective to what makes a great communicator—and why government professionals need to master these skills.

Louise shares practical techniques to improve public speaking, from voice control and body language to storytelling and audience engagement. She explains the power of the "rule of three", how to structure compelling messages, and why good...

Governments generate endless information, but so much of it goes unseen. So, how do we turn it into content people actually care about?

In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke chats with Heather Lansdowne, a leader in transforming social media in government. As the social media manager at the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Heather and her team are turning heads in the government space, proving that data can be engaging, relatable, and even fun. She’s helped reshape how agencies communicate, bringing bold ideas and engaging content to the table. Her fresh approach connects with audiences in...

Buckle up for an episode packed with creativity, innovation, and a bit of storytelling magic!

In this first GovComms Podcast of 2025, David Pembroke sits down with Andrew Parsons, a communication powerhouse with a knack for turning challenges into storytelling gold. From his humble beginnings as a cameraman to transforming public sector communication strategies, Andrew’s career is proof that creativity thrives when bold ideas meet action.

Step into the evolving world of public sector content as Andrew reveals how he built massive social media followings, pioneered video content, and ran communication teams like ne...

Today, we’re revisiting one of the most impactful episodes of GovComms! Stephanie Speck, Head of Communications for the Green Climate Fund, shares how authentic storytelling can transform the climate conversation.

Explore the power of "Story Sovereignty," a revolutionary approach that empowers climate-impacted communities to tell their own stories—humanising the issue and making it deeply relatable. Stephanie also takes us inside the Green Climate Fund’s evolution, shifting from output-focused tactics to strategies that prioritise reputation, relationships, and global impact.

She doesn’t stop there. Tackling the challenge of misinformation, Stephanie reveals practica...

Happy New Year! We’re starting 2025 by revisiting an inspiring chat between host David Pembroke and Stanley Henry, founder of The Attention Seeker. They discuss storytelling, strategy, and building a thriving content agency.

Stanley takes us on his journey from growing up in South Auckland and working in hospitality worldwide to becoming a LinkedIn success story. His mastery of personal branding on the platform gave him the confidence to launch his own agency, which now boasts a team of 31 and is gearing up to expand to New York.

He shares invaluable lessons on st...

What did 2024 teach us about communicating better? In this special 'Year in Review' episode, David Pembroke takes us through the stories, lessons, and ideas that made this year unforgettable.

From LinkedIn storytelling tips with Stanley Henry to tackling climate anxiety with Ruth Dewsbury, this episode revisits the moments that made us think and grow. You’ll hear how behavioural science is transforming public health. What the Olympics can teach us about connection, and why Alex Aiken’s 'five Vs' framework might just change the way you approach your next big message.

Packed...

AI is shaking up the world of communications—are you ready? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with PR expert Stephen Waddington to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work. From streamlining tasks to offering new ways to tackle big challenges, Stephen explains how AI can act as a "clerk, colleague, and coach" for communicators.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. They dig into the risks, the need for ethical governance, and why every organisation needs clear policies to stay ahead. Stephen also shares his thoughts on the shifting medi...

What if leadership was less about authority and more about connection?

Imagine a young boy in rural Zimbabwe, discovering the world through books borrowed from a modest village library. That boy is Alfred Chidembo, whose love for stories sparked a journey from his village to Australia, where he now serves in the Australian Public Service and leads a literacy charity, Aussie Books for Zim.

In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke explores how the Ubuntu philosophy—“I am because we are”—has guided Alfred’s life and work. Alfred shares how empathy, storytelli...

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...

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 powe...

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...

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 throu...

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.

Hosted on...

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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...

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...

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...

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.

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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...

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.

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.

Re...

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...

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...

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.<...

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...

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:

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.

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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...

This week's episode marks the final episode of Govcomms 'From the Vault'. In this episode, host and CEO of contentgroup, David Pembroke, revisits his conversation with Tim Price, the Acting Director of Strategic Communications and Content at the Australian Federal Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

David begins by exploring where Tim's career began - creating massively successful fan websites for Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Tim explains

This week on GovComms 'From the Vault,' we revisit our conversation with a special guest, the CEO of the Open Government Partnership, Sanjay Pradhan.

Sanjay joined OGP in May 2016. Prior to joining OGP, he served as the Vice President for Leadership, Learning, and Innovation at the World Bank, as well as the Vice President of the World Bank Institute, and as the Director for Governance.

David Pembroke, CEO and Founder of contentgroup, discusses with Sanjay the mission of OGP and its role in addressing governance challenges faced by ordinary citizens. Using three...

This week on Govcomms 'From the Vault', we revisit our conversation with Osama Saeed Bhutta, who is currently the Director of Communications, Policy & Campaigns at Shelter UK. At the time of this conversation, he was the Director of Communications at Amnesty International.

Osama started out as a volunteer organiser and press officer for the Stop the War movement in the UK, which later landed him a position with the Scottish National Party as a media and research officer.

Fast forward a decade and a remarkable career with news organisation Al Jazeera. His role at...

Are you interested in public health advocacy?

This week on Govcomms ‘From the Vault’, we revisit our conversation with Clare and Alice Collins, a mother-daughter duo who run Insight Communications- a multi-award winning agency specialising in communication management for cause, culture, community and health organisations.

We highlight the complexities surrounding asbestos awareness, including the challenges and strategies involved in educating the public about this often-overlooked health hazard. Clare and Alice discuss innovative approaches to public engagement and awareness campaigns, highlighting the importance of effective messaging in public health initiatives.

As they...