About

Barton Deakin Government Relations is Australia’s premier government relations advisory firm.

More than merely lobbying politicians and bureaucrats, Barton Deakin provides high-quality strategic political and public policy advice to clients who need to engage with federal, state and territory Coalition governments and oppositions.

Our government relations advisers are former members of parliament and senior Coalition government advisers with decades of experience, detailed knowledge of parliamentary legislative and regulatory issues and a deep understanding of policy development processes and implementation.

Our experienced GR consultants have expertise in a range of portfolios and issues: defence, nuclear, science, agriculture, airspace and airlines, customs, consumer affairs, treasury, finance and financial services, foreign investment review board, resources and energy, mining, veterans’ affairs, health and medical research, education (early, school and tertiary), aged care, disability, planning and infrastructure, property and construction, emergency services, corrective services, social housing, social investment, charities, racing, information technology, arts, the law, restaurants, and food.

We help our clients to:

• Develop strong and productive relationships with Liberal and National parties, whether they are in government or opposition.
• Engage with government as a customer or supplier.
• Ensure effective and timely input into government policy, regulations and legislative processes.
• Improve outcomes from government decisions and regulations that impact on their business.
• Explore opportunities for grants and government in-kind support for their business.
• Enhance their company’s reputation within government.

Barton Deakin also works with national and state professional associations and non-government organisations in establishing and maintaining long-term relationships with key government stakeholders.

Barton Deakin’s Advisory Board includes experienced government relations practitioners who are also esteemed figures in Liberal and National Party circles. They offer counsel, experience, and skills to Barton Deakin and act as a sounding board for directors and clients, drawing on their networks for political knowledge and insights.

Our History 

Barton Deakin was founded in 2009 by the Hon. Peter Collins AM QC, the former Leader of the NSW Opposition and senior minister in the Greiner and Fahey Governments.

Peter named the company to honour Australia’s first two prime ministers, Edmund Barton from New South Wales (1901-03) and Alfred Deakin (1903-04) from Victoria, both of whom played a central role in the Federal Conventions in the 1890s and the subsequent establishment of the Australian federation in 1901. Australia’s success as a united and democratic nation owes a debt of gratitude to Edmund Barton and Alfred Deakin, Australian statesmen of the highest order.

The Barton Deakin name also represented Peter’s vision for a truly national government relations company with the capacity to represent client interests with Liberal and National governments and oppositions across all jurisdictions, as well as with the New Zealand National Party.

In 2015 Barton Deakin became part of ASX-listed WPP AUNZ, the largest marketing communications services group in Australia and New Zealand, comprising 5500 people across 80 companies.

WPP AUNZ’s best-in-class capabilities include the largest research network in Australia, communication and marketing specialists, digital and social media professionals and experts in data mining and analysis.

Barton Deakin is SOX compliant and our consultants comply fully with federal, state and territory lobbyists’ registration requirements.