Michelson Alexander Explains...
Michelson Alexander
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Major policy announcements can be tough to pick apart. As royal
commissions, federal budgets and other major announcements
drop, the Michelson Alexander team will cut through the spin and taglines to explain what's happening, and what it means for different stakeholders.
Available episodes
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3 days ago
Michelson Alexander Welcomes... Michael Long OAM
Michelson Alexander is thrilled to announce that Michael Long OAM is joining our team as a Special Adviser!
During and since his 190-game AFL career with Essendon, Michael has used football as a vehicle to promote better outcomes for First Nations people. In 1995, when he was racially abused on the field, Michael took a stand that ultimately led to the AFL's racial discrimination policy. In 2004, he famously walked to Canberra to meet then-Prime Minister John Howard, a gesture designed to put First Nations issues back on the national agenda. Through The Michael Long Foundation and The Long Walk, he continues to run programs that promote better outcomes for First Nations people.
Join Sabrine Navarro, Associate, and Jack Banister, Head of Content, as they welcome 'Longy' to the Michelson Alexander team and explore his life and work so far.
Michael is available to provide strategic counsel on First Nations issues and inclusion, advocacy, government relations, policy design and development for a range of corporate, government and not-for-profit clients.
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4 days ago
Michelson Alexander Explains... the 2022 Federal Election, and what comes next
After an enormous weekend in politics, new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been sworn in, backed by an interim ministry.
But with the final composition of the Parliament still to be confirmed, and the full Ministry yet to be announced, there's plenty to keep an eye on for all businesses.
Government Relations experts Trystyn Bowe and Elyse Gatt sat down with Head of Content Jack Banister this morning to pick through the major lessons from the weekend.
What will this new Government prioritise? What does the election of seven "Teal" independents say about the public's priorities? What influence will the Greens exercise in the new Parliament? And of course, what does it mean for your communications?
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May 19, 2022
H2 in 2022 - Guarantee of Origin Scheme
Welcome to the latest episode of our mini-series on Australia’s hydrogen future, produced in collaboration with the Australian Hydrogen Forum.
Throughout our hydrogen mini-series so far, the idea of a Guarantee of Origin Scheme has been mentioned over and over again. Today, we’re going to find out why.
Our guest on this episode is Cameron Mathie from the Clean Energy Regulator. As a Manager for Future Carbon Markets, Cameron is chiefly involved in the design of Australia’s Hydrogen Guarantee of Origin Scheme.
We were lucky to sit down with him to discuss how the scheme might look, the trials that are underway, and what a successful scheme will achieve.
Keep tabs on your podcast feeds for our next episode, where we'll speak to special guests from the CSIRO and the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.
Finally, thanks to our partner, the Australian Hydrogen Forum, for making this series possible.
There’s going to be plenty more discussion of all things H2 during Australian Energy Week. On June 8th, several key hydrogen industry players will gather again to discuss the future of hydrogen as part of Australian energy mix. More details here: https://energyweek.com.au/
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May 16, 2022
H2 in 2022 - A Wholistic Energy Transition
Welcome to the latest episode of our mini-series on Australia’s hydrogen future, produced in collaboration with the Australian Hydrogen Forum.
So far on Michelson Alexander’s hydrogen mini-series, we’ve covered production, commercialisation, and the future of renewable gas in your home and on this episode, we discuss hydrogen in a much broader context.
The global search for renewable fuels is of course, driven by a need to lower carbon emissions. That need means that every part of the energy sector must transition. Hydrogen, then, is one piece in a very big puzzle.
Our guest, Jim Snow, is an Executive Director of Oakley Greenwood, a firm that, among other things, models different renewable energy scenarios. Jim will discuss some of the key questions we’ve been discussing surrounding the future of H2, but most importantly, he’ll help you to understand where hydrogen best fits in the broader energy mix.
Keep tabs on your podcast feeds for our next episode, where we'll be discussing another hot topic in the H2 space – the potential for a Guarantee of Origin scheme. Joining us will be Cameron Mathie, Manager of Future Carbon Markets at the Clean Energy Regulator.
Finally, thanks to our partner, the Australian Hydrogen Forum, for making this series possible.
There’s going to be plenty more discussion of all things H2 during Australian Energy Week. On June 8th, several key hydrogen industry players will gather again to discuss the future of hydrogen as part of Australian energy mix. More details here: https://energyweek.com.au/
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Apr 20, 2022
H2 in 2022 - Commercialising Hydrogen
Welcome to the latest episode of our mini-series on Australia’s hydrogen future, produced in collaboration with the Australian Hydrogen Forum.
On this episode, you’re going to hear from Alex McIntosh from ARENA, and Justin Nash from BP.
A key question they are pondering is: what can be done to make hydrogen commercially viable?
Where is investment needed to scale up production? Should hydrogen production, or hydrogen demand, come first? And how is government working with industry to promote the hydrogen economy?
*Guest Timings:*
_Alex McIntosh, Director, ARENA (0:35)_
_Justin Nash, Senior Manager, Integrated Decarbonisation Solutions, BP (13:40)_
Keep tabs on your podcast feeds for our next episode, featuring Jim Snow from Oakley Greenwood. Jim’s work modelling different energy scenarios means that he has a well-informed view of hydrogen’s role within the broader energy transition.
Finally, thanks to our partner, the Australian Hydrogen Forum, for making this series possible.
There’s going to be plenty more discussion of all things H2 during Australian Energy Week. On June 8th, several key hydrogen industry players will gather again to discuss the future of hydrogen as part of Australian energy mix. More details here: https://energyweek.com.au/
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Apr 6, 2022
H2 in 2022 - Hydrogen in the home... but how?
Welcome to the third episode of our mini-series on Australia’s hydrogen future!
We’re moving through the questions that need to be answered to secure Australia’s hydrogen future, and now it’s time to talk about hydrogen in the home.
How, and when, can you expect to have a hydrogen-powered shower or stovetop?
The Australian Gas Infrastructure Group has set a bold vision to decarbonise their networks around Australia by 2040. So, how will they do it?
On this episode, AGIG CEO Craig de Laine will lay out the plan for you, from the blending projects that are already underway, to the steps required to scale up.
Next up on Michelson Alexander Explains… we’ll be discussing the commercialisation of the entire sector with Alex McIntosh from ARENA, and Justin Nash from bP.
Finally, thanks to our partner, the Australian Hydrogen Forum, for making this series possible.
There’s going to be plenty more discussion of all things H2 during Australian Energy Week. On June 8th, several key hydrogen industry players will gather again to discuss the future of hydrogen as part of Australian energy mix. More details here: https://energyweek.com.au/
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Apr 1, 2022
H2 in 2022 - Production 101
Welcome to the second episode of our mini-series on Australia’s hydrogen future!
In collaboration with the Australian Hydrogen Forum in Sydney, Michelson Alexander Senior Associates James Fitzpatrick and Elyse Gatt caught up with political and industry leaders to discuss what’s next for the hydrogen economy.
In this episode, we're taking you through some of the technologies that can help us to produce more H2 at a lower cost, something that will be vital to scale-up the entire sector.
Talk of electrolysis and methane pyrolysis can seem a little overwhelming. Thankfully, you'll be hearing from Roger Knight, the Managing Director of Energys, and Chris Dunks, the managing director of Synergen Met.
Roger and Chris will walk you through the technical complexities, so you can turn your mind to the market impacts of cost-effective H2 production.
*GUEST TIMINGS:*
Roger Knight, the Managing Director of Energys (1:23)
Chris Dunks, the managing director of Synergen Met (15:10)
Next up on Michelson Alexander Explains…, we'll be discussing AGIG's H2 vision, and their plans for H2 in your home, with their CEO, Craig de Laine. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss the episode.
Finally, thanks to our partner, the Australian Hydrogen Forum, for making this series possible.
There’s going to be plenty more discussion of all things H2 during Australian Energy Week. On June 8th, several key hydrogen industry players will gather again to discuss the future of hydrogen as part of Australian energy mix. More details here: https://energyweek.com.au/
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Mar 29, 2022
H2 in 2022 - What questions are being addressed at the Australian Hydrogen Forum?
Welcome to the first episode of our mini-series on Australia’s hydrogen future!
In collaboration with the Australian Hydrogen Forum in Sydney, Michelson Alexander Senior Associates James Fitzpatrick and Elyse Gatt caught up with political and industry leaders to discuss what’s next for the hydrogen economy.
In this episode, you will to hear the voices of the Honourable Lily d’Ambrosio, Victoria’s Energy Minister; the Honourable Mick de Brenni, Queensland’s Minister for Hydrogen; Jordan McCollum, National Policy Manager for the Australian Pipes and Gas Association; and Kobad Bhavnagri, the Head of Strategy for Bloomberg NEF.
These four will step you through the themes that dominated discussions at the forum in Sydney, from the war in Ukraine, which has turned the energy market on its head, to the ongoing debate within energy circles about the respective merits of blue and green hydrogen.
*GUEST TIMINGS:*
_The Hon. Mick de Brenni, Queensland’s Minister for Hydrogen (1:55)_
_Kobad Bhavnagri, the Head of Strategy for Bloomberg NEF (6:50)_
_The Hon. Lily d’Ambrosio, Victoria’s Energy Minister (19:15)_
_Jordan McCollum, National Policy Manager for the Australian Pipes and Gas Association (22:50)_
Next up on Michelson Alexander Explains…, we’ll be discussing some of the cutting-edge technology that can change the hydrogen production game with Chris Dunks from Synergen Met, and Roger Knight from Energys.
Finally, thanks to our partner, the Australian Hydrogen Forum, for making this series possible.
There’s going to be plenty more discussion of all things H2 during Australian Energy Week. On June 8th, several key hydrogen industry players will gather again to discuss the future of hydrogen as part of Australian energy mix. More details here: https://energyweek.com.au/
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Mar 29, 2022
Michelson Alexander Explains... H2 in 2022
An introduction to Michelson Alexander's mini-series on Australia’s Hydrogen Future, prepared in collaboration with the Australian Hydrogen Forum
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Feb 20, 2022
What's At Stake? The Winter Olympics & diplomatic boycotts
The Winter Olympics in Beijing have finished, and one of the lead headlines was that several nations opted not to send any government representatives, mostly in protest of alleged human rights abuses by the Chinese Government against the Uyghur population in Western China’s Xinjiang region.
The United States instigated the diplomatic boycott, shortly joined by Canada, Australia, the UK, India, Lithuania, Kosovo, Belgium, Denmark and Estonia. Athletes from these countries are still allowed to compete. France and South Korea have said they will not be participating in the diplomatic boycott.
The International Olympic Committee has always maintained its political neutrality however the Olympics have often been used to make political statements, such as the boycotting of the Moscow Olympics in 1980 during the height of the Cold War.
This week on Michelson Alexander Expains... we explore the diplomatic boycotts and whether they are likely to achieve anything.
*HOSTS: *Steve Michelson, Founder & Director of Michelson Alexander; Elyse Gatt, Senior Associate & Jack Banister, Head of Content
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Jan 24, 2022
The 'Novax' saga with Dr Abul Rizvi
In a time where people are hungry for more binge-worthy TV dramas, the sport of Tennis has provided in spades, offering a legal drama that not even Netflix could script.
World No.1 tennis player, Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia on the opening day of the first Grand Slam event of 2022, the Australian Open. And while the tennis tournament rolls on, questions around immigration laws, proper governance, international relations, the role of celebrity and the long term effects of the COVID-19 crisis rumble away in its wake.
In this episode of Michelson Alexander Explains… we will explore the “Novax Saga” in three parts. First, we will explore the process that led to Djokovic’s deportation, then we will analyse - from a strategic communications viewpoint - the performance of each of the major stakeholders and finally predict the fall out from such a major international political event.
Our special guest today is MA Special Advisor Dr Abul Rizvi.
Abul is the former Deput…
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Dec 21, 2021
Michelson Alexander Explains... 2021
Michelson Alexander along with clients, family and friends meet to celebrate the year that was and amongst the festive season cheer, people were invited to reflect on their biggest learnings from 2021 and forecast what's ahead in 2022.
*Hosts: *_Jack Banister, Michelson Alexander Head of Content & Sabrine Navarro, Michelson Alexander Associate_
*Guests: *_Steve Michelson, Michelson Alexander Founder and Director; Hugh McFarlane, align.me Founder & CEO; James Fitzpatrick, Michelson Alexander Senior Associate & Head of Operations; Steve Staikos, Mayor at Kingston City Council; Greg Chipp, Drug Policy Australia Chairman and Managing Director; Abul Rizvi, Michelson Alexander Special Adviser; Monique Dawson, VicForests Chief Executive & Anna Stefanatos, VicForests Director of Communications_
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Dec 17, 2021
"We need to look at systems, not just vehicles" - MA Explains... AI, Liveable Cities & Micromobility
This week, we're very lucky to be joined by one of the world's most creative minds to discuss all things artificial intelligence, and big, city-reshaping tech.
Assaf Biderman has a big CV. He is the CEO and co-founder of transportation robotics company Superpedestrian, a client of ours. And he is a founding member and Associate Director of the Senseable City Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
On this episode, we pick Assaf's brain about the ways A.I. is already being used (hint: it's way more than you might think) and quiz him about how A.I. can work for the public good, and how new technology can unlock more liveable cities right across the globe.
*Host: *Jack Banister, Michelson Alexander Head of Content
*Guests: *Assaf Biderman, CEO & Co-Founder Superpedestrian; Andrew Stewart, Michelson Alexander Senior Associate & Sabrine Navarro, Michelson Alexander Associate
If you’re interested in strategic communications advice for your business, the Michelson Alexa…
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Dec 3, 2021
"Local campaigns need to have local solutions" - MA Explains... Grassroots Campaigns
A year ago, during Victoria's second COVID lockdown, residents began using the Northcote Public Golf Course in Melbourne’s inner-north for leisure.
At the time, golf was banned, and so, fairways usually kept for mulligans and birdie putts became the site for puppy walks and picnics.
Now there's an ongoing debate about how the land should be used. Darebin Council this week opened consultations to discuss the future use of the course. Shared use or less holes are some of the options being considered.
It’s an issue playing out elsewhere in Australia. In Sydney, Lord Mayor Clover Moore launched a similar campaign in 2020 to cut Moore Park Golf Course from 18 holes to 9.
The Michelson Alexander team has been watching this issue unfold, and today, we're using it as a case study to explore public relations strategies, how opposing sides can compromise on hyperlocal issues, and what makes a successful grassroots campaign.
*Host*: Jack Banister, Michelson Alexander Head of Content
*Gue…
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Oct 5, 2021
The media plays a part... Jen Hewett Explains COVID Recovery
The pandemic is once again the force that is driving most of the stories on the front pages, and there's plenty at stake for politicians, businesses, and citizens alike.
This week, Michelson Alexander's Jack Banister and Shannon Gill are joined by Jen Hewett, the Australian Financial Review's National Affairs Columnist.
Jen has followed the pandemic since March 2020, and we’ll chat to her about how our leaders have responded to it and communicated during it, and how the media have covered these leaders and their messages.
Topics discussed in this episode:
* How leadership has changed throughout the pandemic.
* What has the pandemic revealed about the Federation?
* Andrews, Berejiklian, and Morrison - what has worked for them, and what has failed?
* Have the goal posts shifted when it comes to public expectations of our leaders? How?
* Has Delta delayed or derailed Australia’s economic recovery? Does it depend on who you ask, or is it too early to tell?
* How will th…
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Sep 22, 2021
"We need to have a goal" - Paul Guerra Explains COVID Recovery
The pandemic is once again the force that is driving most of the stories on the front pages, and there's plenty at stake for politicians, businesses, and citizens alike.
In this mini-series of MA Explains... we're exploring the different factors in the COVID recovery process.
Today's guest is Dr Paul Guerra. He is the CEO of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Victoria’s peak business group, a role he took over in February 2020.
Today's conversation centres around one key premise: what does business expect from government through the pandemic?
Topics discussed in this episode:
* _What was the Chamber's response to the Victorian COVID-19 Recovery Road Map _
* _How important is it to provide an alternative when you’re contesting government policy?_
* _How do you balance that health challenge with the challenge COVID-19 poses to businesses?_
* _How important is it to given a 'north star' to motivate people to change behaviour?_
* _What role should businesses…
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Sep 17, 2021
"We need to have conversations and humanity" - Dr Andrés Noé Explains COVID Recovery
The pandemic is once again the force that is driving most of the stories on the front pages, and there's plenty at stake for politicians, businesses, and citizens alike.
In this mini-series of MA Explains... we're exploring the different factors in the COVID recovery process.
Today's guest is Dr Andrés Noé. He's a medical doctor, a Rhodes scholar and one of the clinicians involved with the development and trialing of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
As well as vast experiences working on malaria and malaria vaccines, Noé has also spent a decade focused on the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. He has now developed high-level COVID-19 expertise via various projects, and led contact tracing teams in the UK. He is currently working at The Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Topics discussed in this episode:
* _What can Australians expect in the next 12 months? _
* _How has the COVID response in Australia differed to the UK response? _
* _Why does vaccine hesitancy occur and how…
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Sep 9, 2021
What's At Stake? A COVID and communications round table
The pandemic is once again the force that is driving most of the stories on the front pages, and there's plenty at stake for politicians, businesses, and celebrities alike.
This week, Michelson Alexander's Senior Associates, James Fitzpatrick and Shannon Gill, dissect the major stories.
What can businesses do to encourage their employees and customers to receive a COVID-19 vaccine?
Why did the public take exception to Scott Morrison's Father's Day trip to Sydney to see his family?
And if they had their moments over again, what would Nadia Bartel and Guy Sebastian do differently?
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Aug 23, 2021
Winning all around! What business and organisations can learn from the Paralympic Movement - Don Elgin Explains Tokyo 2020
On Michelson Alexander Explains, we’ve been looking at the Olympics and how the stories of the Games cut through with the public, much of which were in lockdown.
This week the Paralympics starts at a time when we are all in need of good news stories.
Don Elgin competed at three Paralympics in Athletics and won four medals. He is an amputee, having been born without the lower half of his left leg. He is now the Head of Wallara Online and remains connected to our Paralympic team via StarAmp Global, a management company he founded to support amputee athletes.
Don joins us to talk about what the Paralympic movement has meant to his life, the messaging around disability, and how the moment in the media spotlight the Paralympics will have over the next few weeks can communicate messages far beyond sport.
TOPICS:
_How do the Olympic/Paralympic narratives differ?_
_Do the all-abilities communities see the Paralympics as a time to progress the community at large? What is the overriding…
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Aug 9, 2021
"This is your one shot every four years" - Lucy Benjamin Explains Tokyo 2020
The Tokyo Olympics marks the end of, this time around, a 5-year cycle for athletes that will result in a well-earned mental and physical break. But the same applies for those that work with the athletes, including communications professionals.
Lucy Benjamin has worked across the globe in several sports, but most recently, she's been Australian rowing's communications and government relations manager.
Lucy is finishing up at Rowing Australia at the end of the Games, so, in this episode of Michelson Alexander Explains, we talk to Lucy about how the Olympics function from a comms perspective.
TOPICS:
_What was the Olympic experience like, given it wasn't what most might've been expecting?_
_What does the day-to-day of a comms professional look like during the Olympics?_
_Is there much sense of what Is happening outside of the 'Olympic' bubble?_
_How does the communications process work for an Olympic sport? What sort of adjustments do you have to make to fall under the AOC's banner…
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Aug 2, 2021
"You can't be what you can't see" - Nova Peris Explains Tokyo 2020
One of the stories of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games has been the strength of the First Nation’s athletes representing Australia.
Basketballer Patrick Mills carried the flag; the Matildas posed for a photo with the Aboriginal flag before their first game; and the team uniforms are adorned with Indigenous designs.
There are 16 First Nations athletes in Tokyo – a remarkable number given that only 52 First Nations athletes have represented Australia at all Olympic Games.
On this episode of Michelson Alexander Explains… Nova Peris, the first Indigenous Australian to win an Olympic gold medal joins to discuss what all organisations, including our Olympic team, can do to let First Nations people to shine.
*TOPICS:*
_How much has changed for First Nations athletes since 1996?_
_When storytellers are working with First Nations stories, what steps can they take to do so sensitively and in a way that gives subjects control? _
_Is Brisbane in 2032 an opportunity to drive representation…
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Jul 29, 2021
Human stories are undefeated - MA Explains Tokyo 2020
The long-overdue 2020 Olympics kicked off on Wednesday, July 21 when Australia was resoundingly thumped by their Japanese hosts on a softball diamond in Fukushima.
These Olympics come after months of anything-but-softball from the IOC, which has forged ahead despite repeated outbreaks of COVID-19 globally, and in the host city, Tokyo.
On the first episode in a three-part mini-series about the Games, the Michelson Alexander team will be looking at Tokyo 2020 through a strategic communications lens.
*TOPICS:*
_83% of the Japanese population did not want these Olympics to proceed… What sort of challenge did this context present for the IOC? What was their approach? What sort of narrative should one try to create in this situation? _
_What are the major topics for discussion, now that the Games are underway? _
_What are the key lessons for brands and businesses from these Games? _
If you’re interested in strategic communications advice for your business, the Michelson Alexander…
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Jul 28, 2021
Steve Michelson introduces... Michelson Alexander Explains
Michelson Alexander is excited to be launching our new podcast, *_Michelson_*
*_Alexander Explains…_*
Our team comes from a diverse array of backgrounds, and has vast experience in a range of sectors, including the media, communications, legal affairs, politics and policy.
On the show, we’ll be taking a strategic communications lens to the stories you’ll find on the front page of your morning paper and talking to the movers and shakers that are breaking and making those stories.
You can expect to hear interviews with prominent Australians, explainer episodes on key government policies, and analysis from our team about whatever crisis has been leading the six o’clock bulletins.
We’ll pull back the curtain to show you how and why news and policies are made, what’s really happening behind the scenes, and how it affects you and your business.
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