Good governance: What does the ‘more saleable’ Malcolm Turnbull need to do to improve government comms?
Malcolm Turnbull has pledged communications from his government will be “seeking to persuade rather than seeking to lecture”. Miranda Ward spoke to lobbyists and political consultants about what went wrong for Tony Abbott and what we can expect to see from the new Prime Minister.
It is probably quite telling that Malcolm Turnbull used his first speech after the spill last night to pledge a new communications style for the government. The former lawyer and media player is well-known for being very quotable – but what is the role of good communications when it comes to government?
Susan Redden Makatoa, Ogilvy Public Relations group managing director of corporate and lobbyist, told Mumbrella: “This is about, to coin a cliche, true two-way engagement, it’s not about lecturing from the rooftops and that’s where people fell down.
here’s a tip for Malcom from someone who’s spent 15 years talking Australains into changing behaviour.
Have the spine to get what you want to stand for down to one word. Not the fresh, tasty and friendly food people — just the fresh food people.
The Liberals one word has been “patronising”.
Malcolm’s one word should probably be “confident.”
It may turn out to be “deluded” when he discovers Australians aren’t interested in sitting and listen to explainations about why heis party is doing stuff.
Maybe it’s the climate, but the thing to realise about Australians – is they have a short attention span and basically don’t give a shit.
policies that will benefit the greater Australian society. Address and improve societies needs and stop serving the wants of big business.
I would vote for a nodding dog if it meant improving our society. Turnbull is the face of the same party. #stillpoweredbymurodchginaandthelike
Avoid abstract jargon like “engagement” and “communication” . Speak and write in plain English. Use simple words most people grasp.
It’s really quite simple………same shit , different shovel!! But at least a shovel that can string two words together and the country doesn’t cringe when he opens his mouth!!
I wonder if Crosby or Textor will be in the loop.
Garry Grant is so right. I’m a rusted on Liberal but I used to cringe ever them Abbott opened his mouth as I wondered which food would go into it first. I wouldn’t vote for Labor under any circumstances but his gaucheness had me considering it. And the sad thing is that he was always so desperately unpopular…he wasn’t actually voted IN; rather, his appalling opponents were voted out. That’s why he never had a chance. So now we have to see what the leftist show pony and his glib communication ‘style’ can do. Yike!
Well there I was being all inspired by the talk the hope of being innovative, agile,and adaptive………embracing the disruptive nature of the 21st century as my friend……..thinking that maybe, just maybe the new shovel was possibly going to shovel a more redemptive type of shit…………when!!!!
OMG……….the paradigm suddenly came crashing down……….my renewed idealism was dashed on the brutal shores of SCOMO!!!!!!
Yes……….be lectured at right now by The NEW Treasurer on a mission to turn back the budget!! Thats right!! We have a SPENDING problem………not a REVENUE and a SPENDING PROBLEM!!! Just a SPENDING PROBLEM!! Got it!!!
So much for any taking note of the experts like Ken Henry who a few days ago remarked that the problem is about 50/50. Let’s just all get ready for more cuts to education, health, social services,and renewable energy initiatives while the revenue side of superannuation, negative gearing, capital gains tax and fossil fuel subsidies are OFF THE TABLE!!
So……..it looks like I am still at my original thesis……….same shit………different shovel!!
Quite disappointing actually, but not really surprising!!