Our People

Chief Executive Officer

Jonathan brings over twenty years of experience including as an executive leader building organisational capability, championing culture and delivering effective partnerships for positive change. He draws on diverse experience across the not-for-profit and public sectors in Australia and the UK, encompassing strategy, public affairs, government relations, and program leadership. Jonathan has a deep understanding of how to drive change, influence and support collaboration for organisational success.

Feel free to connect on LinkedIn

Head of Finance and Operations

 

Penny has a diverse range of industry experience across finance and operations in large multinationals and SMEs across various sectors including marketing, software, recruitment, construction and FMCG. 

Penny seeks to partner with organisations, their stakeholders and staff by respecting and nurturing people and relationships and leading with integrity, honesty and keeping an open mind. She is focused on delivering sustainable results and change for success.

Feel free to connect with Penny on LinkedIn.

Head of Engagement

 

Linda Gaunt is a career association manager with over 20 years’ experience in managing not for profit organisations. Linda’s success comprises developing and implementing sound association strategies and identifying market opportunities. Linda joined Consult Australia in 2018 as NSW Manager. In October 2020 she accepted the role of Head of Engagement with responsibility for Consult Australia membership engagement, events, sponsorships and partnerships, with line management responsibility for our marketing team.

Linda holds a Master’s of Business Administration and in 2005 was honoured to receive the Hudson Private and Community South Australian Business Woman of the Year as well as the overall Telstra South Australian Business Woman of the Year.  Linda is now a member of the Telstra Business Woman's Alumni and has acted as a judge for the program on a number of occasions.

Feel free to connect with Linda on LinkedIn.

 

Head of Policy and Government Relations

 

Kristy joined Consult Australia in July 2019, and in July 2021 accepted the role of Head of Policy and Government Relations. She has responsibility for developing the strategic advocacy priorities for the association and leading our team of policy and stakeholder engagement professionals to deliver these priorities nationwide. 

With over 15 years in the public service Kristy knows how to get government moving, having delivered high-profile policy and regulatory initiatives involving significant stakeholder engagement on a topics such as gambling, online content, and broadcasting. Kristy is legally trained and enjoys delving into complex legal problems. Since joining Consult Australia she has developed a surprising passion for professional indemnity insurance issues.

Feel free to connect with Kristy on LinkedIn.

 

National Policy Manager

Kristine joined Consult Australia in 2021 and moved to the national policy role in 2024. She brings a breadth of experience working in both private, public and not for profit sectors across strategy, risk and policy development. Kristine delivers through strong stakeholder engagement skills and highly developed collaboration, communication and organisational skills. She has a demonstrated ability to manage multifaceted initiatives and leverage strategic capability to share meaningful insights and achieve outcomes for clients and stakeholders.

Feel free to connect with Kristine on LinkedIn.

Event Manager

Amy joined Consult Australia in 2022 as the Events & Education Coordinator, bringing a wealth of customer service experience and strong organisational skills to the role.

Through working on our large annual flagship events, Boardroom Luncheons, the Future Leader Program, educational courses, and overseeing FutureNet, Amy was pleased to accept the role of Events Manager in 2024.

Amy is dedicated to creating events that foster meaningful connections and drive personal and professional learning, insights, and progression

Feel free to connect with Amy on LinkedIn.

Membership Development Manager

With over 20 year’s experience in Business Development, Louise is passionate about building strong relationships and creating opportunities for connection and growth.

Louise is driven by a genuine desire to see our industry thrive and plays a key role in welcoming new members to Consult Australia.

Louise takes the time to understand the needs of each organisation. With her friendly approach and knowledge of the industry, she’s committed to building lasting relationships and expanding our membership in a way that strengthens the entire community.

Feel free to connect with Louise on LinkedIn.

NSW & ACT Manager

Alison joined Consult Australia in July 2021, having had extensive senior executive experience in the public, corporate and not-for-profit sectors across finance, government and infrastructure. She brings a strong hands-on understanding of stakeholder engagement, governance, strategy and advocacy. Alison is a collaborative leader who delivers results.  She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

Feel free to connect with Alison on LinkedIn.

VIC & TAS Manager

Mark has a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement, governance and advocacy in  organisations. He brings extensive senior executive experience in private and public sectors (including in not for profits) with a strong emphasis on strategy and advocacy. His experience in education and government helps drive Consult Australia’s advocacy campaigns. Mark is an accredited Mediator and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Feel free to connect with Mark on LinkedIn.

WA Manager

 

Robert brings over twelve years of experience across management consulting, engineering, mining, manufacturing and the public sector, with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement, project delivery and organisational improvement. 

Robert holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering, a Master of Project Management and an MBA. He is passionate about building strong industry relationships and helping turn complex issues into practical improvements and outcomes for Consult Australia’s members in Western Australia.

Feel free to connect with Robert on LinkedIn.

QLD Manager

Laura joined Consult Australia in February 2025, with a strong understanding of consulting businesses. She has previously focused on social value, business development, as well as communications and marketing. This experience along with Laura’s critical thinking and relationship-building skills are now used to influence Qld government to improve the operating environment for members.

Feel free to connect with Laura on LinkedIn.

SA/NT Manager

Feel free to connect with Lyndall on LinkedIn.

Defence Manager

David joined Consult Australia in June 2026 as Defence Manager, leading the association's engagement with the Defence portfolio and championing the role of consulting, engineering and advisory firms in delivering Australia's Defence capability. He brings 10 years’ experience gained within the services & support and ICT domains where he has championed initiatives aimed at boosting innovation adoption and SME engagement.

David's work spans the full project lifecycle — from early advisory and procurement through to delivery — giving him a practical understanding of the operating environment members navigate and the contracting, capability and workforce issues that shape it. He is focused on building strong relationships across industry and government, and on advocating for the conditions that allow members to contribute to Defence outcomes.

Feel free to connect with David on LinkedIn.