BBS Public Relations

Associate

Luke is a former political advisor, based in Townsville and Canberra.

During this time, Luke developed strong knowledge of the local issues, stakeholders and media.  He has strong issues and crisis management skills, especially in community consultation and major policy initiatives.

His campaigning skills include developing short to long-term communications programs to achieve social change and education. The tactical elements of these campaigns have included media relations, community forums, government relations and marketing communication materials

Luke recently worked with Babcock & Brown on the Horton Park Golf Club relocation and was instrumental in implementing a number of communication strategies to achieve a successful vote (76%) to relocate the club. Having worked with Ealing Council in London, Luke has astute awareness of government protocols and achieving outcomes within a government framework. His work there included crisis management and developing communication campaigns for community change.

At BBS, Luke works on a range of clients across the property, finance and education sectors. He specialises in developing and implementing communication programs, media relations and issues and crisis management.

Areas of Expertise

• Media relations
• Media training
• Crisis & issues management
• Community Engagement
• Corporate Communications

Key Achievements

 Media Relations

• Developed and implemented media relations campaigns for government departments and private sector organisations in Queensland and London, generating local and national media coverage.
• Managed all media relations for the proposed relocation of the Horton Park Golf Club

Media Training

• Conducted media training for senior executives at the Griffith University, Delfin Lend Lease, Retirement by Design, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Australia, Shafston College, Centrelink and the London Borough of Ealing

Crisis and Issues Management

• Ongoing management of issues on behalf of a number of public and private sector organisations including Babcock & Brown, Maroochy Shire Council, Delfin Lend Lease, Retirement by Design, Queensland Teachers’ Credit Union, Centrelink and the London Borough of Ealing

Community Engagement

• Developed and implemented a comprehensive community consultation for the Horton Park Golf Club relocation, recognised by the PRIA.

Corporate Communications

• Developed communications strategy for Members of Parliament
• Developed the communications strategies for Babcock & Brown, Maroochy Shire Council, Shafston College, Delfin Lend Lease and the Ealing Council Food Waste Collection service (UK)

Background

• Certified IAP2 practitioner with certificates from the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) in Planning for Effective Public Participation, Effective Communication for Public Participation and Techniques for Effective Public Participation
• Former State Media Manager for Centrelink
• Media adviser for the London Borough of Ealing specialising in waste and environmental management, transport, urban regeneration and housing
• Former Political Advisor and Media Advisor to Members of Parliament
• Secretary of the University of Queensland Union