Government & Defence
Manage complex government procurement, policy advocacy, and defence communications
Government and defence communications operate in a world of procurement protocols, ministerial sensitivities, and public accountability. We help organisations engage effectively with government decision-makers and communicate credibly across the defence and public sector.
Direct experience with government at the highest levels
Third Hemisphere's government and defence practice draws on our extensive experience working with international government bodies, policy organisations, and public sector bodies. Our Executive Chair Jeremy Liddle has served as President of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs' Alliance, worked as an Investment and Networking Expert for UNIDO, and has spoken at the United Nations on policy and development communications. This direct experience with government at the highest levels gives us an understanding of public sector communications that most agencies simply do not have.
Positioning policy issues on the global agenda
For the Business 20 (B20), we supported policy communications that positioned SME and entrepreneurship issues on the G20 agenda, managing communications across government, business, and media. For UNIDO, we delivered innovation program communications across 12 countries, managing the complexities of international government coordination. For the International Labour Organization (ILO), we supported workforce development communications across South Pacific nations.
A fundamentally different approach from commercial PR
Defence and government communications require a fundamentally different approach from commercial PR. Procurement protocols govern how companies can communicate about government contracts. Ministerial sensitivities mean that timing and approval chains are critical. Classification requirements and information security protocols add layers of complexity. Third Hemisphere meets these requirements because we understand the public sector operating environment and have built relationships across government, defence, and policy bodies at federal, state, and international levels.
Industry challenges
- Working Within Government Procurement Protocols Companies seeking government contracts must communicate within strict procurement frameworks. Missteps in public communications during tender processes can disqualify bids and damage relationships with government buyers.
- Managing Ministerial and Political Sensitivities Government communications involve political dimensions that require careful handling. Timing, messaging, and approval chains must account for ministerial sensitivities, election cycles, and party political dynamics.
- Defence Industry Security Requirements Defence communications operate within security classification frameworks and information protection requirements that constrain what can be communicated publicly and require careful management of media engagement.
- Building Credibility with Government Decision-Makers Government decision-makers are risk-averse and sceptical of commercial promotion. Building credibility requires thought leadership, evidence-based communications, and demonstrated understanding of public sector priorities.
What we deliver
Third Hemisphere helps organisations engage effectively with government and defence decision-makers through strategic communications that respect public sector protocols while building visibility and credibility. Our team has direct experience working with international government bodies, policy organisations, and defence sector agencies. We understand procurement frameworks, ministerial approval processes, and the unique communications dynamics of the public sector. We develop government relations strategies, policy communications, and engagement programs that build the relationships and reputation required to succeed in government and defence markets.
- Government relations strategy including decision-maker mapping and engagement programs
- Policy communications and advocacy campaign development
- Defence industry communications within security classification frameworks
- Government procurement communications support and bid-related PR strategy
- Public affairs and media relations targeting government, defence, and policy journalists
- International government engagement and multilateral organisation communications
Does Third Hemisphere work with defence companies?
Yes. Third Hemisphere understands defence industry communications requirements including security classification frameworks, procurement protocols, and the unique procurement and industry dynamics of the defence sector. We help defence companies build visibility and credibility within government and industry.
Can Third Hemisphere help with government relations?
Yes. Third Hemisphere develops government relations strategies including decision-maker mapping, engagement programs, policy communications, and public affairs support. We help organisations build effective relationships with government decision-makers at federal, state, and local levels.
How does PR help companies win government contracts?
Strategic communications build the brand recognition, thought leadership, and government relationships that influence procurement decisions. Third Hemisphere develops visibility and credibility programs that position companies favourably with government decision-makers while respecting procurement protocols.