Welcome to Interact
Working with industry groups, research bodies and government agencies in advocacy, insights and better public policy.
Welcome to Interact
Working with industry groups, research bodies and government agencies in advocacy, insights and better public policy.
About Interact
INTERACT Policy and Industry Solutions Pty Ltd
brings together the perspectives of industry, stakeholders and government for better industry representation, improved decision-making, and better public policy.
Areas of Service
Advice and Support for Industry Groups
INTERACT works with industry and government in analysing issues, scoping policy, and fostering a greater shared understanding of industry and public administration. This includes working with peak organisations on public policy and representation, and with government bodies to review policy and regulatory processes and to engage with stakeholders.
For industry groups
INTERACT provides various services to local, state and national industry bodies to support members and improve their reputation and interaction with government:
- Developing and Advancing Policy
Working with members to identify key industry issues and develop proposals for government.
- Government and Political Engagement
Providing support and advice to build the reputation of the industry and to engage with government.
- Policy Analysis
Reviewing draft government and parliamentary policy and discussion papers and drafting submissions in consultation with members. Scanning the policy and political environment and possible impacts for members.
- Policy Development
Developing policy position statements in the lead up to State and Federal Budgets and elections and analysing policy announcements.
- Workshop and Conference Facilitation
with members, government representatives and other stakeholders.
For Government and Research Bodies
INTERACT assists government and research bodies in collaborating with industry and stakeholders and reviewing policy and regulatory processes. This includes:
- Sector Analysis
Providing research and policy analysis.
- Stakeholder Engagement
Devising and managing industry engagement and consultation exercises with key sectors.
- Policy and Regulatory Review
Examining key business and policy processes and making recommendations for change.
Education and training on public policy
Drawing upon a wealth of practical experience in policy (both within and external to Government) together with post-graduate qualifications in public administration, INTERACT provides tailored support for education and training providers, including session delivery and the design of course material.
Recent Interact projects
- Manufacturing Skills QLD
Manufacturing Future Workforce Transition Project exploring changing skill needs of the sector (QLD government funded project) (completion Feb 24)
- Victorian Registration and Qualifications
Review of course accreditation
processes (completion Feb 24)
- The Hatchery
Design and delivery of Masterclass Delivering Effective Policy (Dec 23)
Download Capability Statements
ABOUT
Aaron Johnstone
Founder and Director
My background and purpose
My journey in public policy and industry advocacy spans almost 30 years. With a broad range of networks in industry and government, I have built a reputation as an effective collaborator and strategic leader.
I began my career in Canberra as a Graduate in the Australian Government in 1995, joining the public service out of an eager desire to make a
meaningful contribution to social and economic prosperity. I have a BA in Government and History at the University of QLD, and an Executive Master of Public Administration at the
University of Melbourne (ANZSOG).
My public sector roles in Australia and the UK
have included a variety of roles, such as:
My public sector roles in Australia and the UK have included a variety of roles, such as:
- Supporting Commonwealth-State agreements on skills and funding with the Australian National Training Authority
- Providing strategic political and policy advice as a Ministerial Adviser for the Hon Anna Bligh MP in her time in the Beattie State Government Cabinet.
- Executing communication strategies for Westminster City Council in central London on transport and urban development.
- Managing education and training policy reform in a variety of State Government bodies in Queensland and Victoria
Since 2007 I have held leadership and advocacy roles with industry bodies in the manufacturing and construction materials sectors– including the Australian Industry Group and Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia (CCAA).
These roles have provided the opportunity to work closely with senior industry and government leaders in responding to key challenges and shaping policy:
- Developing and advancing industry positions and policy in areas such as skills, heavy vehicle regulation, health and safety, natural resources, environmental regulation, planning, and infrastructure.
- Design, management and MC facilitation of forums, conferences and industry events.
- Managing joint industry-government research projects in manufacturing, resource access and protection.
- Undertaking industry state and national surveys and presenting results to senior government and industry representatives.
I am also active in a variety of associations and other bodies, such as the Committee for Brisbane, the Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA), the University of QLD (Sustainable Minerals Institute and HASS Industry Mentoring) and a member of QLD Business Chamber.
In August 2023, I established INTERACT from a passion to improve the interaction between industry, community and government.
This leads to improved public policy, more confident industry investment, and better economic and social outcomes.
Further Information
To find out how Interact can support your organisation contact me
on +61 423 481 951 or aaron.johnstone@interactpolicy.com
What’s new
Interact news
Read about our latest activities in the November 2023 newsletter.
Get in touch with Aaron at 0423 481 951 or email aaron.johnstone@interactpolicy.com to explore how Interact
can help.