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.

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.

WA Manager

Emma joined Consult Australia in June 2022, and brings with her a breadth of experience working in policy, advocacy and executive management across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Emma is an urban planner by background and started her career as a planning consultant in a medium sized Perth-based firm, then moved to the State Government where she held advisory roles in the offices of two former State Planning Ministers, led planning reform and red-tape reduction initiatives, and was independent planning adviser and manager of the office of the Director-General of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.

More recently Emma has experience working in and managing other member-based professional peak bodies. She held the position of Deputy Executive Director of the Property Council in WA, with particular responsibility for policy, advocacy and communications; and then led the WA chapter of the Planning Institute of Australia as its State Manager, where her responsibilities were equivalent to those of her new role at Consult Australia.

Feel free to connect with Emma on LinkedIn.

SA & NT Manager, Acting VIC & TAS Manager (until July 2024)

Matt joined Consult Australia in January 2023, bringing a breadth of government, policy and stakeholder relations experience across the public and private sector. Matt has worked with the NT government and in a number of SA government departments including Treasury and Finance, Premier and Cabinet and Justice and Economic Development. He has a deep understanding of all levels of government having worked in Federal government as both a Federal MP and Adviser to a Cabinet Minister. Matt has also with Victorian Members of Parliament and infrastructure and development companies, and partnered with industry bodies on various government policy. Matt brings strong policy and political analysis, advocacy and stakeholder relations skills to Consult Australia to benefit members operating in SA, NT and while Mark is on secondment VIC and TAS.

Feel free to connect with Matt on LinkedIn.