25 specialists across Australia & New Zealand.

Founding Director

One of the most experienced and respected political strategists in the country, Evan leads Anacta’s team of government engagement specialists​. He has a diverse range of expertise across strategy, communications, and stakeholder relations. Evan is a former Member of Parliament, Director of Strategy to a Queensland Premier, and ALP State Secretary. ​

Founding Director

David has been established in the government relations and political strategy industry for more than 15 years. During that time, David has worked on countless domestic and international political campaigns, successful large public private partnership bids and mining licence approvals, as well as enacting a wide variety of legislative and regulatory change.

Founding Director

One of the best political researchers in the Asia-Pacific region, David served as pollster and strategist for New Zealand's last two Labour Prime Ministers, Jacinda Ardern and Chris Hipkins. In Australia, he was heavily involved in Labor’s successful campaigns in the 2022 Federal election and the Victorian state election. He advises on communications and strategy at the highest levels in politics and business.

Founding Director

Stephen has extensive experience working at the top level in politics both sides of the Tasman and involvement in many landmark issue management and political campaigns. Stephen was a senior political adviser to New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange and following his resignation in 1989 to then Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon Helen Clark.

Founding Director

One of the most experienced and respected political strategists in the country, Evan leads Anacta’s team of government engagement specialists​ He has a diverse range of expertise across strategy, communications, and stakeholder relations. Evan is a former Member of Parliament, Director of Strategy to a Qld Premier and ALP State Secretary ​

Executive Director

Bridget offers Anacta clients an expert understanding of the New Zealand political process, developed across numerous roles in Government, including as an advisor to former NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark, in Opposition and the private sector. She is adept at representing client interests to government, whether in private meetings, through written submissions or appearing before government committees and other agencies. She is based in Wellington, New Zealand.

Director

Denise brings a wealth of experience and corporate nous developed over decades of service in the public and private sectors. Having served as Chief of Staff to a number of Federal and State Government Ministers and deputy Chief of Staff to the Queensland Premier, Denise has a formidable understanding of the policy-making process. Her extensive political campaign experience means she is adept at tackling complex challenges and delivering practical strategic advice under pressure.

Director

Mark has over fifteen years of experience in political campaigning and strategic planning. In that time he has managed state and national campaigns for various organisations, and served as a member of the Western Australian Premier’s senior staff from 2007 - 2022. As head of Anacta’s Perth office, Mark offers clients unrivalled expertise in navigating the political and policy-making landscape.

Director

Victoria brings more than 25 years’ experience in government relations, strategic political advice and stakeholder relationship management. She is passionate about the value of empowering clients to navigate Government processes. Over 15 years serving as a Brisbane City Councillor, Victoria established a reputation for bringing people together to achieve positive results.

Director

Based in our Melbourne office, Licardo brings extensive experience in strategy, communications, issues and crisis management. He has served as a media adviser to two Victorian Premiers and has held senior corporate affairs and communications roles in the private and not-for-profit sectors.

Director

Sydney-based director Jacqui Woods has 15 years’ experience in public policy and political strategy and brings a deep understanding of political and issues-based campaigns. With strong connections across State and Federal political circles and stakeholders, Jacqui is a formidable advocate for our clients’ interests.

Director

John brings extensive experience in policy development and Cabinet and budget processes, as well as political and campaign strategy. As a senior Labor staffer with Hon Kim Beazley in Government and Opposition, and in the public service, including as Australia’s Senior Trade Commissioner in Washington DC, John has expertise across major policy areas, including climate change, health, and international trade.

Director

After working for several high-profile political leaders around Australia, including Premiers Dan Andrews and Annastacia Palaszczuk and most recently Federal Minister for Aged Care and Sport Anika Wells, Amber boasts a formidable network and knowledge of government relations. She divides her time between engagement with the NSW and Federal Governments, offering Anacta clients extensive expertise in how to make an impact in a crowded political landscape.

Senior Associate

With a background in professional campaigns and communications Jess has developed strong connections in both the union movement and political circles. Jess has a strong skillset which includes research, policy analysis, digital communication, and copywriting. She is based in our Brisbane office.

Senior Associate

Philippa brings a wide range of skills to our Perth office, drawn from her background in political and corporate research, campaigning and strategic policy development. Legally qualified and an experienced board director, Philippa has a successful track record working with industry and government to achieve positive results.

Senior Associate

Sarah brings five years’ experience in political organisations, campaigning, stakeholder engagement and communications. Her relationships and networks are well established in Federal and NSW Governments, developed through her work for NSW Labor and at the electorate level. Sarah is based in Anacta’s Canberra office.

Founding Director

David has been established in the government relations and political strategy industry for more than 15 years. During that time, David has worked on countless domestic and international political campaigns, successful large public private partnership bids and mining licence approvals, as well as enacting a wide variety of legislative and regulatory change.

Director - Communication

Christine offers strategic communications expertise drawn from 25+ years working in high-pressure environments, from newsrooms to board rooms. An award-winning journalist, foreign correspondent and author, she is passionate about crafting compelling narratives that target the right audiences with the right messages to achieve our client’s goals.

Director - Operations

Mel brings years of experience in Ministerial offices, the public service, political offices and government owned corporations to her operations role at Anacta. Her extensive experience providing strategic advice, campaign support, governance, compliance and event coordination has proven invaluable in her oversight of the firm’s operations.

Associate

Based in Anacta’s Perth office, Lucy has broad experience in political campaigns and government. Her strong skillset includes community engagement, stakeholder management and research.

Associate

Based in Anacta's Wellington office, Ben draws from practical experience as a former Senior Researcher in the Office of the Leader of the New Zealand Labour Party. Ben’s background and expertise is in providing high quality and timely research, information, communications services and strategic political advice on policy and issues

Founding Director

One of the best political researchers in the Asia-Pacific region, David served as pollster and strategist for New Zealand's last two Labour Prime Ministers, Jacinda Ardern and Chris Hipkins. In Australia, he was heavily involved in Labor’s successful campaigns in the 2022 Federal election and the Victorian state election. He advises on communications and strategy at the highest levels in politics and business.

Founding Director

Stephen has extensive experience working at the top level in politics both sides of the Tasman and involvement in many landmark issue management and political campaigns. Stephen was a senior political adviser to New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange and following his resignation in 1989 to then Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon Helen Clark.

Data Science Director

Thomas manages the quantitative research work across Australia and New Zealand. He is a master of survey methodology, data visualisation and advanced statistical techniques, and was responsible for the closest polling results of any firm in the 2020 and 2023 New Zealand elections.

Research Director (Australia)

Rosa has worked in politics and campaigns for more than a decade. She is a skilled qualitative researcher, and has worked on projects across Australia and New Zealand with Talbot Mills Research, conducting and managing research projects, and providing campaigns and strategic support.