Meet Our Team

Founder and Director

Prior to founding Banksia Strategic Partners, Steve enjoyed a diverse career spanning the private sector, politics and the law. He is a respected corporate adviser and an experienced campaign strategist who has worked on various national and political campaigns.

He was a key architect in the fight for marriage equality in Australia, and more recently, helped to establish the historic Rethink Addiction campaign, which is challenging the stigma around drug, alcohol and gambling addiction to help achieve better health outcomes.

After growing up in country Victoria, Steve completed a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws at the Australian National University in Canberra, where he was awarded a full CAS Hawker Scholarship.

He has since worked for the Victorian Department of Health and Maurice Blackburn Lawyers giving him an intimate understanding of employer, employee, private and public-sector issues.

He also spent six years as a trusted adviser to the Hon. Bill Shorten MP, then Leader of the Opposition.

As Director of Caucus and Stakeholder Relations, he provided advice regarding highly complex policy, political and communications issues, often in sensitive media environments, and built Australia wide networks with business, unions, the community sector and media.

Steve holds a Master of Laws from Melbourne Law School, where he was awarded the Frank Pinkerton Scholarship. He has also completed study at Harvard Business School.

Steve sits on a number of not-for-profit boards including the National Theatre. He is the proud Dad of two primary school aged kids and an avid member and supporter of the Geelong Football Club.

Director

Michelle Edmunds is a strategic communication professional with extensive experience as a consultant, agency leader and journalist. She has 20 years’ experience working with Boards, Councils, the private sector and not-for-profits to manage issues, engage with media and other stakeholders, and advocate to government.

Michelle specialises in communicating in highly regulated environments that attract public and media attention. She has worked for clients including industry peak bodies, health sector NFPs, international member-based organisations, superannuation funds, regulators and cultural institutions.

As an issues manager, Michelle has supported clients involved in Ombudsman’s investigations, Royal Commissions, parliamentary inquiries, organisational restructures and product recalls.

She has media-trained leaders from the world of sport, the arts, politics and the health sector, helping spokespeople develop the skills they need to communicate effectively under pressure.

Michelle has also led high-profile media and PR campaigns for government, statutory authorities and peak groups, including in the arts, tourism and childcare sectors.

She started her career in print journalism, where she covered state politics, industrial relations and education.

Director

James FitzLang is a natural leader with a reputation for his calm, strategic, and methodical approach to issues management, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.

Over the past fifteen years, he has executed successful campaigns across the renewable energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, retail, sport, and education sectors. His current and past client list includes ASX-listed companies, state-owned infrastructure, leading education institutions, and change-making community campaigns.

Since starting with Banksia, James has helped:

• Secure over $100million in funding for the development of training centres across Australia to help up-skill tradespeople to work on the nation’s renewable energy transition;
• Campaign for the protection of a critical and world-leading health service, culminating in its existence written into state legislation;
• Coordinate the production of in-depth studies across Victoria and South Australia into the feasibility of transitioning existing networks to renewable energy systems; and
• Facilitate the development of stakeholder consultation, a feasibility study, and subsequent business case that led to the funding of a $57million Sport, Learning, and Leadership Centre for young people in Alice Springs.

Leveraging his calm nature, James’ experience is also steeped in training executive teams in crisis, media, and key stakeholder management. When the proverbial hits the fan, James has helped guide organisations through high-profile responses to royal commissions, data breaches, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, court cases, and major industry shake-ups.

James holds a master’s degree in media and communications, has completed executive courses at Harvard Business School, the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and Melbourne Business School, and is a sessional lecturer at RMIT University.

Outside of the corporate world, James co-founded an online sports magazine in 2016 that publishes long-form analytical journalism, podcasts, and feature documentaries on the emotive stories behind professional and amateur sport. He is also a board member of Mannix College and Pathways Response Victoria. James is an avid lover of the outdoors and will often arrive to work on Monday with a fresh injury from mountain biking, basketball, skiing, or whatever new activity he is into.

Director

Elyse is a senior corporate affairs specialist with experience providing expert policy and communications advice in highly regulated industries, with experience in corporate, government, and political organisations.

With over ten years’ experience in the energy industry, Elyse knows how to navigate the complex intersection of policy, social and political issues within the industry.

During her time as press secretary for the Minister for Resources and Energy, Elyse was responsible for engagement with the media during a period where Australia was balancing the economic benefits of resource extraction and trade, with the need to address to urgently address climate change.

Elyse joins MA from multinational energy company bp, where she helped to drive the Australia wide implementation of the company’s net-zero ambitions by developing and leading government relations and communications campaigns for low-carbon projects.

Elyse has a particular commitment to achieving social impact and is experienced at working with stakeholders from different spheres to achieve that end.

She has a Bachelor of Arts (Government and International Relations, and English) from the University of Sydney, and is a passionate member of several community organisations based in Melbourne’s inner north.

Associate Director

As a public policy professional, Kushan has worked in senior roles within Victorian government departments and agencies in policy portfolios, most notably in health, justice and roads & road safety. 

Prior to joining Banksia, Kushan was a policy adviser for senior Victorian State Ministers.  In this role he developed and refined complex public policy in the health and justice portfolios.   

Key to Kushan’s success was his ability to consult and engage with stakeholders within the government, the sectors, subject matter experts and to deliver policy outcomes for the benefit of the Victorian community.   

Kushan believes that not only is evidence-based policy important, but that connecting with industry and community stakeholders, and giving them an opportunity to shape the narrative, will lead to better outcomes. 

Kushan’s ability to communicate complex issues, coupled with his policy experience, enables him to navigate challenging and scrutinised environments and advocate effectively to implement change.  

Kushan holds a Bachelor of Laws and Criminology from Deakin University, and outside of work enjoys volunteering at a food relief organisation in the south-east, playing golf, and is an avid supporter of the Essendon Football Club.  

Senior Associate

Anna Mincham is an Associate at Banksia. Prior to starting at Banksia, Anna worked in Federal politics and specialised in a number of policy areas including multicultural affairs, foreign affairs, and climate change. She has held stakeholder, advisory, and communication positions, and has invaluable specialist media advisory experience.

Anna has a deep understanding of the media landscape and valuable insights into how journalists work and what makes a story newsworthy. She is known for her ability to craft compelling pitches that capture the attention of audiences and develop media strategies that are tailored to clients’ specific needs and objectives.

Anna is passionate about using her experience to achieve positive social impact. She has a Bachelor of Jurisprudence (International Relations) from Bond University and her love of learning stretches far beyond her professional life. Anna loves trying new foods (and wine) as well as exploring nature and the outdoors (Melbourne weather notwithstanding). As a former West Australian, she is miserable in the winter and is a tragic Fremantle Dockers supporter.

Special Adviser

Michael Long has a deserved reputation as one of the most influential and enduring Aboriginal figures and is a Special Adviser to Banksia.

An Anmatyerre, Maranunggu and Tiwi man, Long played 190 games for Essendon in the AFL from 1989 to 2001, including premierships in 1993 and 2000. He won the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground in the first of those victories. In 1995, he changed the game forever after he was racially vilified on the field in that year’s Anzac Day match. The stand he took led to the AFL’s racial vilification policy, which sporting codes in Australia and beyond went on to adopt.

He has also made a lasting impact since retiring from the game. In 2004, he walked to Canberra to meet Prime Minister John Howard and raise several issues concerning Indigenous communities. Since that journey, he has founded the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre in Darwin to provide Indigenous youth with education opportunities through sport, and The Long Walk Trust, a charity that promotes Indigenous cultural awareness through The Long Walk and other programs. Long’s dedication to advancing Indigenous causes was recognised in 2018 when he was named the Northern Territorian of the Year, and when Essendon built a statue of him at their Tullamarine headquarters.

Michael is available to provide strategic counsel on First Nations issues and inclusion, advocacy, government relations, policy design and development for a range of corporate, government and not-for-profit clients.

Special Adviser

Ryan’s career has included banking and corporate treasury roles, as an elected Member of the Victorian Parliament with extensive experience across a range of Ministerial and Shadow Ministerial portfolios, a Non-Executive Board member, and Director of Corporate Strategy for a property developer. He is now consulting across sectors including mining, recycling, property development and local government.

Ryan has a remarkable ability to authentically engage stakeholders across all levels, from the community to business owners and from Ministers to state and local government officers.

He possesses a keen eye for pragmatically identifying and solving problems, drawing from his experiences in diverse sectors. Ryan’s foresight in anticipating stakeholder issues has been the foundation of his success, ensuring seamless navigation of complex environments.

With a deep network, Ryan has established connections through a range of regional and metropolitan Councils, state government Ministers, departments and agencies, and across various business sectors.

Ryan’s understanding of law is robust, enabling them to navigate legislative and regulatory frameworks as they pertain to practical circumstances. Additionally, Ryan has a thorough understanding of governance, emphasizing the importance of accountability, transparency, and responsibility.

This unique blend of experiences has equipped him with the skills to drive strategic outcomes while fostering genuine and enduring relationships with stakeholders throughout his career.

Chairman & Director, SAS Group

Larry takes a pragmatic and hands-on approach, passionately assisting corporate and private clients to achieve success and solve problems.

With over 35 years of experience, Larry has extensive expertise in government, politics, business, and strategy. Before founding The SAS Group, he served as a Federal Minister in the Howard Government, worked as a stockbroker and investment banker with Potter Warburg and Merrill Lynch and held numerous non-executive directorships in both the private and public sector.

Larry has been a leading business advisor for many years, combining his professional career with board appointments for numerous ASX-listed companies (including Macquarie Media) and unlisted companies (such as the Indue, National Credit Union Association and Sunwater). He is the immediate past President of the Federal Nationals and the former Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia. In acknowledgment of his services, The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH Prince Edward, named Larry the first Life Patron of the Australian Award.

This “school of hard knocks” experience in boardrooms and government enables Larry to effectively solve client problems across various sectors, particularly in resources, energy, agribusiness, property, and non-profits.

Managing Director – SAS Group

Malcolm is the Managing Director of SAS Group, bringing extensive expertise in and around political and public communications and advocacy. Highly regarded as one of Australia’s leading communications and public affairs consultants, Malcolm draws on a wealth of skills and experience gathered over an extensive career.

As a senior Ministerial Adviser to the Foreign Minister, Malcolm managed sensitive and complex communications issues on behalf of the Australian Government.

Malcolm’s deep and long-standing political connections in Queensland date back to his tenure as State Political Editor for the Courier Mail. His insights and relationships have guided clients to successful outcomes across a wide range of government projects. He is known for his calm and precise management of crises and complex issues.

In 2014, Malcolm joined SAS Group as the Director of Media and Communications where he was integral role in the firm’s growth, delivering successful outcomes for clients through his strategic vision and adept handling of media relations.

As Managing Director, Malcolm continues to drive SAS Group’s success, ensuring it remains at the forefront of political communications and advocacy in Australia. His career is marked by dedication and expertise, leaving a lasting impact on the organizations he has served and the broader political and media landscapes.

Malcolm is actively involved on the board of a charitable organisation, a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) from the University of Queensland, and a Masters of International Relations from Deakin University.

Director, SAS Group

Associate Director, SAS Group

Originally trained as a journalist, Daniel has worked in politics and government, public policy, media, strategy and the NFP sector for more than two decades. His experience as a ministerial advisor, political strategist and press secretary ensures Daniel has a deep understanding of the workings of government, parliament and the media.

Years of experience in the NFP sector and faithbased organisations further broadens Daniel’s approach to tactical communication and his capacity to work alongside a range of individuals and organisations.

Daniel holds a Diploma and Masters degree in journalism (QUT), a Graduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies (UQ) and a Bachelor of Theology (CSU). He is an Associate Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders, a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a mediation graduate of the Resolution Institute and an ordained priest in the Anglican Church of Australia.

Creative Services

Ryan grew up honing his craft in some of Australia’s most design-forward hotels.

With a 10 year track record for creating memorable brands, scroll-stopping content and results-driven strategies, he developed a laser-focused eye for what looks good. Understanding that branding extends well beyond logo design, penetrating every touchpoint of the customer experience has allowed Ryan to successfully launch some of Australia’s most premium offerings. When he’s not flaring Pantone swatches, Ryan’s happiest moments are spent outdoors in a fresh pair of white sneakers, putting the latest restaurant openings through their paces.

Ryan has a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and Communication (Design) from the University of Newcastle.

Practice Manager

Hayden Davies is the Practice Manager of Banksia. His commercial and legal background helps achieve maximum productivity across task allocation, time management, costs and processes.

He studied Law and Japanese at the Australian National University in Canberra and has spent most of his career in the private sector.

Before starting at Banksia, Hayden worked as Global Training Manager at a luxury consumer product brand where he oversaw the sales and training programs for the company across Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States.

He helps the firm deliver outstanding client service through seamless billing and invoicing and by ensuring all projects and tasks are completed on time and budget. He manages the business, inducts and supervises staff and oversees the firm’s people and culture.

Hayden is passionate about ensuring that the firm’s core mission, values, beliefs and behaviours best reflect the company culture and serve client best interests.