We are former Ministers and Members of Parliament, Chiefs of Staff, Senior Policy Advisers, Press Secretaries and party officials. We have deep government relations, strategic communications and campaigning experience across the economy and civil society.
Mobile: +61 410 839 586
Email: [email protected]
Matthew Harris is a Director at Barton Deakin and is an experienced government adviser and campaign professional.
He has over twenty years experience across government, the private sector and politics. He has been a Senior Adviser and Chief of Staff to ministers in both the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments.
Most recently Matt was the State Director of the National Party in Victoria, driving successful state and federal campaign strategies. Notably, Matt steered the Party’s campaign over the 2022 State Election which delivered the Party’s best result in over 70 years.
As a Federal Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor in Canberra he delivered reform across multiple policy areas including the government’s Infrastructure Investment Program, indigenous health, red tape reduction and nuclear safety. He also held an integral role during the 2016 federal election campaign.
Matt was Chief of Staff to Victorian ministers responsible for higher education, training, energy, resources and small business. Prior to his work for the government he managed the higher education policy team in the Victorian Public Service and ran the then government’s review into regional tertiary education.
Matt’s early career began in London, working in corporate affairs for one of the major UK banks, serving as private secretary to a Director General in the UK Department of Health, and working with European clients at a boutique investment bank.
Matt holds a Bachelors of Physics (Hons) from the University of Kent.
Email: [email protected]
Matthew Davenport is an Associate Director at Barton Deakin, where he supports clients to effectively engage with Liberal National coalitions, parliaments, and governments at national, state, and local levels.
Based in Brisbane, Matthew began his career assisting in MP offices before working for the Liberal National Party (LNP) in Queensland, contributing to the development and practical execution of the LNP’s digital strategy, both for campaigns and stakeholders.
With years of experience as a political adviser for state and federal LNP Queensland MPs and Senators, Matthew has managed local constituency, policy and campaign responsibilities.
Matthew has also worked as a consultant, managing social media, content, and websites for a number of different clients across Australia.
Matt’s experience and intimate understanding of the Coalition and Australian politics delivers strong support and advice for Barton Deakin’s clients.
Mobile: +64 27 494 3579
Email: [email protected]
Ben Thomas is Director of strategic communications and public affairs consultancy Capital GR Limited and is Barton Deakin’s Associate Director in New Zealand.
Ben was Press Secretary to former National Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson QC, where he handled communications on many of the government’s most high-profile issues including the repeal of the Foreshore and Seabed legislation and Treaty settlements.
Ben has worked in government relations and public relations since 2014, specialising in work involving iwi and the Crown-Māori relationship, corporate governance, and across commercial sectors. Ben also served as a campaign advisor to the ACT party in 2017 and to the winning Auckland Mayoral candidate in 2022.
Ben has extensive experience in New Zealand politics, media and public affairs, and strong relationships across parliament and the media.
Ben deeply understands New Zealand politics and has valuable insights into how to engage constructively with the Luxon Government.