Dave De Garis
Floreat,WA
Summary
I am a conscientious employee who strives to reach my potential in every facet of life.
Over the past two decades as a Government Relations and communications professional, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of Australia's political and media landscape, with strong communication and advocacy skills.
I am firmly committed to the concept that a person's reputation is built as much on their ability to secure outcomes as on their commitment to high levels of integrity.
Raised in a farming family that advocates hard work and responsibility, I focus on executing well-considered strategies and developing solid relationships based on trust and mutual understanding.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Government Relations and Communications Manager
Australian Hotels Association (WA)
11.2017 - Current
- Lead the advocacy, lobbying and communication efforts for the peak association representing the interests of WA's hotel, accommodation, and licensed hospitality industry.
- Responsible for developing and executing the Association's Government Relations strategy to achieve key priorities, through legislative, regulatory and policy reform.
- Develop, promote and maintain the Association's brand, reputation and identity as the authoritative voice for WA's accommodation and hospitality industry.
- Monitor industry trends in Australia and abroad to preemptively develop public relations strategies and tactics.
- Assist with the promotion and development of WA's tourism industry by advocating for, and securing, Government investment to boost interstate and international visitation.
- Provide strategic advice to the Association's Board and Executive.
- Maintain strong professional relationships with a variety of key stakeholders to achieve the Association's objectives and deliver outcomes for members.
- Implement marketing and communications material to communicate organisational goals, objectives and achievements to key stakeholders, including Association members, corporate partners, political representatives and media.
- Execute all external media functions including media releases, press conferences and briefings to promote the Association's position on a variety of matters.
- Represent the AHA(WA) at a variety of political and industry functions.
- Responsible for the drafting, editing, advertising and management of the industry magazine, Hospitality WA.
Senior Adviser
Office of Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
11.2013 - 10.2017
- Assisted the Minister in various Ministerial portfolios including Minister for Jobs and Innovation; Minister for Employment; Minister for Women; Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection; Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Public Service
- Responsible for developing and executing communication strategies to assist with the Government's legislative priorities. Examples of contentious (yet ultimately successful) legislation and policy include the reinstatement of the Australian Building and Construction Commission, the creation of the Registered Organisations Commission, the delivery of border protection measures and the passage of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
- Managed all aspects of the development, management and execution of the Minister’s media strategy, to help ensure it assisted with the delivery of the Government's legislative agenda.
- Developed the briefing and talking points for the Minister, Coalition Members of Parliament and the Prime Minister’s Office on matters within the Minister's portfolios.
- Responsible for the preparation of the Minister for Question Time, including the development of Question Time Briefings.
- Provided briefings to Members of Parliament including cross-bench Senators.
- Worked closely with respective Departments to ensure the successful delivery of Government policy. Such examples include the $6.8 billion jobactive program, the management of Job Active Providers, various employment subsidies and workplace compliance campaigns.
- Whilst based in Perth, I travelled to Canberra for every Parliamentary sitting week from 2013 to 2017 and accompanied the Minister on all domestic and international travel.
Campaign Officer
Liberal Party of Australia (WA Division)
08.2013 - 09.2013
- A short term role to assist with the election of Melissa Price to the Federal seat of Durack.
- The unexpected retirement of sitting Member Barry Haase necessitated a fast paced, intense campaign in Australia’s largest electorate, spanning over 1.5 million square kilometres
- The campaign saw us cover over 40,000kms in six weeks, meeting with local Government representatives, key stakeholders, thousands of constituents, business owners and community groups.
- Developed and executed a comprehensive campaign that included paid media, fundraising events and targeted communications to a wide variety of constituents and industries.
Senior Electorate Officer
Office of Don Randall MP
01.2011 - 08.2013
- Developed all briefing notes and speech preparation for the House of Representatives and Federation Chamber.
- Research into proposed legislation being introduced into the House of Representatives.
- Held responsibility for national media – drafting media releases and opinion pieces.
- Extensive constituent correspondence on a diverse range of issues.
- My specific focus was on immigration and crime related issues, as well as focusing on the more complex issues brought to our attention by constituents.
- Regular travel to Canberra for Parliamentary sitting weeks.
- Managed campaign account finances, including fundraising efforts and associated event management.
- Responsible for targeted campaigns into identified areas of the electorate, determined by previous federal election results.
Media Advisor
Office of Senator Alan Eggleston
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Responsible for drafting and executing the Senator's media strategy including the drafting of media releases and speeches.
- Completed research and briefing papers on legislation before the Senate. This included all work associated with the Senator's membership on various Committees.
- Liaised with Commonwealth departments, constituents and stakeholders.
- Research into issues affecting Western Australia, specifically in the area encompassing the federal electorate of Durack.
- Regular travel to Canberra for Parliamentary sitting weeks, as well as travel within WA.
- Extensive correspondence with constituents.
- Accompanying the Senator to regular meetings, briefings and conferences.
Intern
Office of the Hon Julie Bishop MP
08.2009 - 12.2009
- Internship placement wile completing my university studies.
- Assisted in the preparation of press releases, letters, newsletter articles, blog entries, editing and opinion pieces
- Conducted research to assist with constituent correspondence
- Transcribed speeches, media monitoring, local issue monitoring and data entry.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations/Journalism
Curtin University of Technology
Perth, WA10.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations/Journalism
Virginia Tech University, USA
Blacksburg, Virginia2007
High School Diploma -
Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School
Bunbury, WA2000
Skills
- Comprehensive understanding of Australia's political system, structures and processes
- Well-developed advocacy and negotiation skills
- Media, policy and communications strategy
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to forge professional relationships built on trust
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 06/22/83
References
A variety of referees are available on request.
Timeline
Government Relations and Communications Manager
Australian Hotels Association (WA)
11.2017 - Current
Senior Adviser
Office of Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
11.2013 - 10.2017
Campaign Officer
Liberal Party of Australia (WA Division)
08.2013 - 09.2013
Senior Electorate Officer
Office of Don Randall MP
01.2011 - 08.2013
Media Advisor
Office of Senator Alan Eggleston
01.2010 - 01.2011
Intern
Office of the Hon Julie Bishop MP
08.2009 - 12.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations/Journalism
Curtin University of Technology
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations/Journalism
Virginia Tech University, USA
High School Diploma -
Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School
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