Government Relations | Issues Management | Government Purchasing | Strategic Advice to the Information and Communications Industries | Qualitative Research: Stakeholder Analysis | Defence Industries | Electronic Commerce | Industry Development Issues and Policies

Government Relations

No major corporation can be an effective national player unless it enjoys on-the-ground access to Canberra’s bureaucratic and political networks and has the requisite marketing strategy to go with it. AusAccess - by drawing on the skills, experience and network of its principals and associates - addresses that requirement.

More specifically, AusAccess can assist by:

• providing representative services to increase access and leverage within the Federal Government arena and facilitating access to Ministers, Parliamentarians (on a bipartisan basis) and advisers — for the executives of clients at the "right" level,
  
  
• "profiling" clients within the Federal Government arena ensuring that their products, services and corporate philosophy are appropriately represented within the Canberra economic/bureaucratic networks — this extends to the coaching of clients as part of their preparation before negotiations with Government or meetings with Ministers and their staff,
  
  
• identifying the right opportunities — commercial, publicity-related and politically astute — and matching those opportunities to a marketing and sales strategy to enhance tactical advantage,
  
  
• using its networks and expertise to influence Federal Government policies, to enhance the penetration of Federal programs, and to develop strategic solutions to government "obstacles",
  
  
• arranging links to industry and establishing networks with corporations sharing the same or similar policy positions or objectives — to increase impact in the lobbying process, and
  
  
• establishing linkages where appropriate to known organisations in state capitals as part of a national strategy or campaign.

back to the top

Issues Management

All organisations must be prepared for the unexpected - they must have structures in place that will deal effectively with a crisis and take full advantage of an opportunity. Issues management is a process that positions an issue and an organisation to achieve the best outcome. It can be done as the pure management of an issue or "the back foot" approach - to deal with crises. Alternatively companies can take the promotional or "front foot" approach - to fully exploit the potential benefits of a particular issue.

AusAccess prefers to initiate its client relationship with an Issues Management process based on a broad range of in-house experiences, an understanding of current political, public and commercial environments and an ability to develop strategies suited to a particular organisation. The process ensures that a client is:

• aware of its strengths and weaknesses and is prepared for the unexpected,
• has in place a communications plan,
• is able to access in-house and external experts for crisis situations, and
• is trained to deal with the media.

back to the top

Government Purchasing

Suppliers to Government including state governments and government businesses such as Telstra are obliged to seek some form of endorsement as a prerequisite to any significant level of sales. AusAccess, its associated companies and principals have established skills in matching clients to the appropriate program usually through the Partnerships for Development, Fixed Term Arrangements, Endorsed Supplier and/or Panel Purchasing. Defence purchasing and I.T. outsourcing are handled on separate criteria.

AusAccess provides information on - and analysis of - Government policy including targeted, sector-specific strategies and intelligence. Such reports can provide significant competitive advantage to clients. AusAccess formerly published (before the system went on-line) the only comprehensive, independent and historically detailed report available on government purchasing in the area of information and communications.

back to the top

Strategic Advice to the Information and Communications Industries

AusAccess has an established record in the management of I.T. outsourcing arrangements, Partnerships for Development, Fixed Term (FTA) Arrangements and Panel Purchasing Contracts. It extends to undertakings on support to suppliers and value added resellers, industry development obligations, research and development, export commitments and the establishment of Regional Centres or RHQs based on sound cost/benefit analysis.

Public and press promotions of activities both nationally and to a political audience are an integral part of the process.

The firm’s principals have years of experience in providing high quality briefs, reports - including reports to government - and speeches where appropriate. Such work is always carried out within deadlines and on budget. A broad range of subjects has been covered in such material.

AusAccess has extensive experience in the analysis of - and negotiation with - governments in the area of new investment particularly in the information technology and telecommunications areas.

back to the top

Qualitative Research: Stakeholder Analysis

Where organisations — large corporations and business organisations — need to examine the perceptions of their Government stakeholders, AusAccess can offer tailored in-depth research. This is a unique service, which is based on AusAccess’ specialized knowledge of and access to Canberra-based decision makers. ANZ Bank, Australian Business and the Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturer’s Association are past clients.

back to the top

Defence Industries

AusAccess has proven expertise in Defence industry policy and acquisitions. The firm monitors the on-going review process noting changes in acquisition policy and the prospect of new sales, service and outsourcing opportunities as a result. Opportunities in armed services consolidation and the re-structure of Defence support require careful handling.

back to the top

Electronic Commerce

AusAccess is a pioneer in electronic commerce in Australia having run the first industry wide trial here in 1995-96 under the auspices of the Department of Industry and the Australian Chamber of Manufactures. The trial was based on the Trade’ex model (now part of Ariba) and won a Gartner U.S. award for its contribution to e-commerce.

AusAccess has extended its knowledge of e-commerce to other business efficiency tools along with methodologies for their take-up, efficacy and the economic impacts on government and industry. AusAccess has been the lead consultant to Tasmania Business (online) perhaps the most significant geographic project in Australia to date

AusAccess has conducted research on, and modelling of, new economy business models in Australia, Europe and the US with a number of leading organizations including the Gartner Group. Modelling includes

• authenticating technologies
• transaction
• cataloguing
• ASP modelling
• frameworks for strategic planning
• delivering on value
• capital raising

back to the top

Industry Development Issues and Policies

The industry policy experience of the principals in addition to the information and communications industries, spans Defence, construction, infrastructure, ship building, aerospace, general manufacturing, and certain service sector areas including the capital and finance industries, with an excellent understanding of the effect of globalisation on the Australian industry base.

back to the top