With over 25 years of experience working at senior levels in and around Australian government, including Parliament, ministerial offices, departments, and national advocacy campaigns, we have had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most capable women in public life. These women shape legislation, negotiate complex policy outcomes, and represent Australia's leading organisations with skill and integrity in the realm of government relations Australia.
Despite the sophistication and influence of our profession, there was no dedicated national network focused specifically on supporting and advancing women empowerment in government relations.
To address this gap, we founded Women in Government Relations Australia.
WGRA serves as a professional home for women navigating Australia’s political and policy landscape—a space that strengthens leadership capability, fosters trusted connections across Canberra and the states, and elevates the standards and visibility of our profession in public policy advocacy.
When women in government relations are connected, confident, and supported, we not only advance our own careers but also strengthen the institutions and outcomes we serve.
Through mentorship, mastery, and meaningful connection, we create one national community dedicated to empowering women in government relations.
Women in Government Relations Australia (WGRA) is a national professional association dedicated to advancing, connecting, and empowering women in the field of government relations Australia. Our focus is on those working in public policy advocacy, public affairs, policy development, and stakeholder engagement throughout Australia.
We champion women navigating the complexities of Australia’s federal, state, and territory systems — across Parliament, departments, agencies, industry, consultancies, not-for-profits, and corporate affairs. We equip them with the networks, skills, and confidence necessary to lead with influence and integrity.
Join us to be part of the network that is transforming the landscape of government relations in Australia and promoting women empowerment.
Picture: Mrs Melissa McIntosh MP, Federal Shadow Minister for Women
To build generations of influential Australian women empowered to shape public policy and strengthen democratic institutions, driving meaningful outcomes for the communities and industries they represent, we focus on government relations in Australia. From Parliament to policy to public policy advocacy — this is your professional home.
Step into a trusted national network of women engaged in government relations in Australia, working across Parliament, ministerial offices, the public service, industry, consultancies, and advocacy. Build meaningful relationships across Canberra and the states—relationships that empower women, strengthen careers, and shape public policy advocacy outcomes.
Refine your craft through high-calibre professional development tailored for Australia’s policy environment, focusing on government relations Australia. From Budget cycles to Cabinet processes, stakeholder strategy to political risk — gain practical insight that sharpens your edge and accelerates your progression in public policy advocacy and women empowerment.
Access leadership pathways, mentoring, and platforms that amplify your voice in the realm of government relations in Australia. Shape conversations about the future of public policy advocacy and step into senior roles with clarity, credibility, and conviction, all while championing women empowerment.
Join an ambitious, generous, and supportive community that champions women at every stage of their career, particularly in fields like government relations in Australia and public policy advocacy. Here, experience is respected, emerging talent is nurtured, and success is shared, fostering a strong foundation for women empowerment.
Together, we elevate the standing of government relations in Australia, champion ethical public policy advocacy, strengthen recognition of government relations as a strategic function, and amplify the voice of women empowerment in Australia’s public policy landscape — shaping the future of the profession itself.
Connect with an ambitious, generous, and globally connected community that champions women empowerment at every stage of their career. With WGRA, leaders and emerging professionals grow together, strengthened by trusted connections in the US and UK that broaden perspective and amplify impact at home, while also engaging in important discussions around government relations in Australia and public policy advocacy.
A government relations professional in Australia, also known as a public affairs expert, actively shapes, influences, and responds to public policy and political decision-making. These professionals work across various sectors, including our Federal and State Parliaments, as well as external organizations, highlighting the importance of government relations in Australia.
Their roles may include:
- Assessing and influencing the impact of legislation, regulations, budget measures, or government decisions at the federal, state, or territory level.
- Drafting Cabinet submissions, ministerial briefs, policy papers, budget position papers, or evidence for parliamentary inquiries.
- Researching, monitoring, and analyzing public policy, parliamentary proceedings, and regulatory developments.
- Representing an organization in engagements with Ministers, Shadow Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senators, advisers, departments, agencies, or regulators.
- Leading government engagement, stakeholder strategy, or regulatory reform processes.
- Designing and delivering stakeholder, industry, grassroots, or community engagement programs, which can include initiatives focused on women empowerment.
- Managing political engagement activities in accordance with Australian electoral, lobbying, and governance frameworks.
- Providing analysis and strategic advice on legislative issues, elections, or the political landscape.
- Serving within the Australian Public Service or state and territory public services by developing and delivering policy, administering programs, regulating sectors, and supporting the executive arm of government.
- Working as political staff for Ministers, Shadow Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senators, or crossbench representatives, offering strategic, policy, and parliamentary support within Australia’s democratic system.
This definition acknowledges the wide array of professionals who contribute to Australia’s policy ecosystem—from public servants and political advisers to advocates and industry leaders—all of whom play critical roles in public policy advocacy and shaping outcomes for society.
I am delighted to support the launch of Women in Government Relations Australia. This new national network is dedicated to connecting senior women engaged in government relations across diverse sectors, including the public sector, Parliament, Defence, and the broader community. This important initiative not only fosters women empowerment but also addresses a significant gap in this cohort of women who influence public policy advocacy and provide leadership in matters of major national and international importance. I commend Sarah Cullens and all those involved in the formation of the new network, and I wish WGRA every success.
Hon Helen Coonan
Former Federal Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer and
Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts
Congratulations to Women in Government Relations Australia on your official launch!
On behalf of Women in Government Relations USA, I am proud to welcome you as our sister organization and to celebrate this exciting milestone. The formation of WGR Australia reflects the growing strength, leadership, and impact of women empowerment in government relations across the globe.
Our profession does not stop at national borders. Policy decisions, economic forces, and public policy advocacy strategies increasingly intersect across countries and continents. Building strong international connections allows us to share best practices, learn from one another’s experiences, and elevate the standards of our field worldwide.
WGR USA is honored to stand alongside WGR Australia as a partner in advancing women’s leadership, professional excellence, and meaningful engagement in public policy.
We look forward to collaborating, learning together, and strengthening the global network of women in government relations for years to come.
Please accept our warmest congratulations and best wishes for continued success.