My State Government experience spans two decades, working at a senior level across strategic policy and project delivery areas, with a focus on housing, land and regional development.

I honed my writing skills crafting word-perfect briefings, submissions, policies and business cases. I later branched off into project management, managing a portfolio of high value housing projects, including a $400m regional housing program.

During my government career, I was fortunate to work with a huge number of stakeholders from across the private, not for profit and government sectors across Australia and internationally. I learnt a lot, and developed a strong appreciation and respect for differing opinions and experiences.

I have assessed countless grant submissions, EOI proposals and tender submissions. I’ve also been on the other side, and have written some persuasive arguments for approval by Cabinet (and succeeded).

But I also saw good projects and ideas come across my desk which didn’t get up. Perhaps what was written down didn’t get the benefits or purpose across. Or perhaps the proponent didn’t consult with the right stakeholders (or if they did, they didn’t mention it).

Good projects will almost always share common goals or generate benefits that support what the government of the day is trying to achieve (think job creation, bringing new skills and attracting investment).

For me, this is the “sweet spot” where profits meet outcomes that benefit the whole community. But you need the right messaging, the right words. You need words with purpose.