GovComms: The Future of Government Communication

Measurement should make our work clearer, not harder. Host David Pembroke is joined by Stacey Barr , a specialist in organisational performance, measurement and evidence-based leadership, to unpack why evaluation still feels elusive in government, even when toolkits and frameworks are readily available. They discuss the hidden “missing pieces” that undermine many measurement approaches, how to str...

When technology speeds up, trust and truth are put under pressure. Host David Pembroke is joined by Sree Srinivasan , who reflects on what he learnt broadcasting daily from New York during the early days of Covid, and how those lessons apply to today’s AI-driven information environment. They discuss what consistent, two-way communication can achieve in a crisis, why misinformation spreads so easil...

Government comms has shifted from crafting messages to shaping meaning in a fast-moving digital world. Host David Pembroke is joined by Brenda Duran , director of external affairs at LA County’s Justice Care and Opportunities Department, to reflect on what has changed since they last spoke in 2019. They discuss the COVID-19-driven digital acceleration, the rise of direct-to-public communication, a...

Governments cannot afford to keep talking about AI as a future challenge when citizens are already expecting better, faster, and more human-centred services. In this episode of GovComms , David Pembroke speaks with Pete Williams (Chief Edge Officer at Deloitte) about why the real risk is not moving too fast, but moving too slowly. Together, they explore how AI can help government shift from clunky...

Governments are full of data, but it’s insight that drives real change. In this episode of GovComms , David Pembroke joins Garrett Tyler-Parker , Director of Analysis and Insights at Tourism Research Australia. Together, they break down how good research transforms spreadsheets into strategy. Garrett shares why formative research should shape a campaign from the start, how human stories give meani...

As we step into 2026, now's the time to ensure everyone's voice is heard. In this episode of GovComms , we revisit host David Pembroke's conversation with Richard Etienne: internal communications expert, author of The Introvert’s Survival Guide , and founder of The Introvert Space . Together, they explore how introverts can lead, influence, and thrive in workplaces that often reward volume over va...

In an era of constant disruption, government communicators are being asked to lead without all the answers. In this episode of GovComms , David Pembroke is joined by leadership experts Dr Marianne Broadbent and Adam Kyriacou to explore how communications teams can navigate AI and rising expectations, whilst building trust and impact. It’s an insightful discussion revealing why comms professionals...

What if better communication starts with listening, not telling? In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Natasha Plowman: a communications strategist, advisor, and founder of Spinning Red. Together they explore how listening, empathy, and authentic storytelling can transform the way governments engage citizens. From unpacking the ineffectiveness of the old ‘broadcast’ model to...

What happens when authenticity becomes your greatest communication strategy? In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Oluchi Ezeugo, a leading corporate communications professional from Lagos, Nigeria, who’s helped organisations across Africa navigate change, crisis, and culture. Oluchi reveals how authentic storytelling transforms workplaces — building trust, inspiring teams,...

What does it take to thrive as a communicator in a rapidly changing world? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke speaks with Ross Monaghan, award-winning educator and communications leader from Deakin University. From his early days as a teenage journalist in Warrnambool to senior roles at Optus and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, Ross has seen the profession evolve fro...

What if everything you thought you knew about effective communication was wrong? In this episode, host David Pembroke speaks with James Healy, founder of The Behaviour Boutique and co-author of BS at Work . James has worked in more than 60 countries and brings deep insights from behavioural science, anthropology, and psychology to the challenges facing modern organisations and governments. James...

What do bushfires, TikTok, and police comms have in common? For Kendall Masters, they’ve each shaped a sharp, no-nonsense approach to government communication. In this episode, she joins David Pembroke to unpack what it really takes to build trust, cut through the noise, and connect with the public — especially when time and attention are in short supply. Kendall shares lessons in agility, authent...

Is your comms team keeping up, or just keeping busy? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with Mitchell Dye, the dynamic voice behind the City of Greater Geelong’s external communications. From community radio to leading digital strategy, Mitchell shares a front-row view of how local government is reinventing the way it engages with citizens—one authentic story at a time. David an...

How will AI reshape the future of government communications—and what skills will you need to thrive? In this episode of GovComms , host David Pembroke is joined by Wayne Aspland, expert in public sector communication and AI strategy, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the role of communicators today and into 2030. Wayne shares how government teams can build AI capability, drive...

What happens when your council loses public trust—and you’re the one answering the questions? In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Chloe Casey, Manager of Communications and Corporate Governance at the City of Casey, about leading through the fallout of the Operation Sandon investigation. Chloe shares how her team managed misinformation, community confusion, and the absence...

What if the best ideas in your team are the ones you never hear? In this episode of GovComms , host David Pembroke speaks with Richard Etienne—internal communications expert, author of The Introvert’s Survival Guide , and founder of The Introvert Space . Together, they explore how introverts can lead, influence, and thrive in workplaces that often reward volume over value. From overcoming self-dou...

Trust is on life support. People are tuning out. Tech is speeding up. Noise is everywhere. So how can government communicators break through? In this powerhouse episode of GovComms , host David Pembroke is joined by Ros Weadman – strategic communication expert, author, and driving force behind the Elevate Local Government Communications Summit 2025 – to unpack what it really takes to cut through a...

Is Google still the king of search or has AI changed the game forever? The way people find information is undergoing the biggest shift in decades and government communicators can’t afford to be left behind. In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke speaks with Jim Stewart, CEO of Stewart Media, about the seismic shift in digital search and what it means for public sector communication. A 25...

Great communicators aren’t born—they’re made. In this episode of GovComms, host David Pembroke chats with Dr. Louise Mahler , an expert in leadership communication, about the art of presence, authenticity, and confidence. With a background in business and opera, Louise brings a unique perspective to what makes a great communicator—and why government professionals need to master these skills. Louis...

Governments generate endless information, but so much of it goes unseen. So, how do we turn it into content people actually care about? In this episode of GovComms , David Pembroke chats with Heather Lansdowne , a leader in transforming social media in government. As the social media manager at the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Heather and her team are turning heads in the government space, pro...

Buckle up for an episode packed with creativity, innovation, and a bit of storytelling magic! In this first GovComms Podcast of 2025, David Pembroke sits down with Andrew Parsons, a communication powerhouse with a knack for turning challenges into storytelling gold. From his humble beginnings as a cameraman to transforming public sector communication strategies, Andrew’s career is proof that creat...

Today, we’re revisiting one of the most impactful episodes of GovComms! Stephanie Speck, Head of Communications for the Green Climate Fund, shares how authentic storytelling can transform the climate conversation. Explore the power of "Story Sovereignty," a revolutionary approach that empowers climate-impacted communities to tell their own stories—humanising the issue and making it deeply relatabl...

Happy New Year! We’re starting 2025 by revisiting an inspiring chat between host David Pembroke and Stanley Henry , founder of The Attention Seeker. They discuss storytelling, strategy, and building a thriving content agency. Stanley takes us on his journey from growing up in South Auckland and working in hospitality worldwide to becoming a LinkedIn success story. His mastery of personal branding...

What did 2024 teach us about communicating better? In this special 'Year in Review' episode, David Pembroke takes us through the stories, lessons, and ideas that made this year unforgettable.   From LinkedIn storytelling tips with Stanley Henry to tackling climate anxiety with Ruth Dewsbury, this episode revisits the moments that made us think and grow. You’ll hear how behavioural science is...

AI is shaking up the world of communications—are you ready? In this episode of GovComms, David Pembroke sits down with PR expert Stephen Waddington to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work. From streamlining tasks to offering new ways to tackle big challenges, Stephen explains how AI can act as a "clerk, colleague, and coach" for communicators. However, it’s not all s...