If you want to future-proof your association, you need to measure its resilience. Message Shapers has developed a unique mythology to understand the key metrics that underpin the resilience of not-for-profit organisations.

Justin Wastnage7 October 2016Policy, Association, Trade association, Management, Consulting, Australia, Tourism

The tale of the notepad, the prime minister and a minority parliament

As the 45th Parliament of Australia sits down to business, the early signs are that it will be a bruising two and a half years if we make it that long. A sort-of majority in the lower house and an emboldened cross bench in the Senate may be nothing compared to the factional rifts within the government ranks, if yesterday's moves are a presage for things to come.

Justin Wastnage31 August 2016Message ShapersPolitics, politics, Australia, PMC, Departure tax, APD, Oakeshott, Canberra, TTF, IATA

The lessons Brexiteers should learn from Australia

Policy, EuropeJustin Wastnage15 June 2016EU, Brexit, Australia, Politics, referendum, policy, Football, Fashion

The 5 pro-tourism independents to watch this federal election

With up to seven Senate spots likely to go to non-major parties and a handful of lower house seats also in play, it's game on for independents this federal election. Message Shapers has used its Stakeholder Matrix to analyse the renegades the tourism industry should leverage.

Justin Wastnage2 June 2016Message ShapersPolitics, Australia, Independents, Senators, Parliament, Vote, Policy, tourism

The 9 steps to securing an election commitment

In the 2013 federal election, spending promises by the two major parties totalled $70 million ($60 million by the Coalition, $10 million by Labor).

Here’s how to get your pet project in the mix for 2016 largesse.

Justin Wastnage20 May 2016Pork barelling, Election, Australia, politics, Policy, tourism, Canberra, pledges, spending

How tourism will be asked to fund the deficit

The Australian Government is in a fiscal funk and as usual it will come knocking on tourism's door to help out. Five stealth taxes to look for in the 2016 federal budget.

Justin Wastnage26 April 2016Message ShapersBudget, Australia, Politics, Tourism, Policy, Tax, IATA, PMC, Visas, Aviation

Learning from food revolutions past

Every leap forward in our food culture has been accompanied by significant shifts in public policy. As technology reshapes the restaurant industry, government safeguards must be flexible enough to keep up with the change.

Justin Wastnage16 December 2015Message Shaperstourism, policy, penalty, rates, restaurants, pay, workers, Australia

Blog

With up to seven Senate spots likely to go to non-major parties and a handful of lower house seats also in play, it's game on for independents this federal election. Message Shapers has used its Stakeholder Matrix to analyse the renegades the tourism industry should leverage.

The Australian Government is in a fiscal funk and as usual it will come knocking on tourism's door to help out. Five stealth taxes to look for in the 2016 federal budget.

Every leap forward in our food culture has been accompanied by significant shifts in public policy. As technology reshapes the restaurant industry, government safeguards must be flexible enough to keep up with the change.

Changing policy through research