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Jason Marocchi was appointed Managing Partner of GRA Partners in February 2016 after playing an integral role in the growth of the business since joining in 2007. He is responsible for the management and strategic direction of the firm.

Jason advises clients across a range of industry sectors on policy and regulatory issues at a State and Federal level, working with both Coaltion and Labor governments. He also provides specialist advice and support to clients on complex, controversial and high-profile matters.

Prior to joining the firm, Jason was a journalist, public relations consultant and senior political adviser. He worked as a senior media adviser for several State Liberal leaders in Western Australia and played key communications roles for the WA Liberal Party at numerous Federal and State elections.

Jason has a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Curtin University in Perth. He is a board member of GRACosway, GRAPartners’ national partner and President of Perth Soccer Club – WA’s most successful football club.

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0421 005 765

Having worked as a Senior Adviser in the Gillard and Rudd Federal Labor Governments, Patrick Fagan provides significant political and strategic experience to the GRA Partners team.

Patrick has provided advice to government across a number of key portfolios, including energy, resources, ICT, the public sector, electoral policy and Northern Australia; and was an adviser to the Minister for Resources and Energy.

Patrick also worked as a government relations adviser to South32 and previously advised the Kimberley Development Commission on the Miriuwung Gajerrong Ord Enhancement Scheme. He was also a founding member of Timor Leste Vision, a NFP promoting rural education projects in Timor Leste.

Patrick holds a Master of Community Development from Curtin University, and a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts (majoring in political science and history) from the University of WA.

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0439 568 402

Eric Ripper provides a valuable insight into government, politics and public policy in Western Australia.

Eric had a long and distinguished career in the WA Parliament over 25 years as a member of the Australian Labor Party, including time as Deputy Premier; Treasurer; Minister for Energy; and Minister for State Development, as well as Leader of the Opposition.

From 2001 to 2008 Eric was Deputy Premier and Treasurer of WA, engaging in the reform of State taxes and government procurement, the implementation of competition policy; as well as overseeing the development and management of eight State budgets. Eric was also responsible for WA’s participation in recognising the native title rights of Aboriginal people.

As Energy Minister, he implemented a major electricity reform program, including a competitive electricity market, and in the State Development portfolio, Eric negotiated on large LNG and iron ore projects.

Eric was recognised in the 2017 Australia Day Honours as a Member of the Order of Australia, for his service to the people and Parliament of WA, particularly for his work on budgetary reform, native title policy and energy sector developments.

He regularly presents to the business and community sectors on WA and Australian public policy issues.

[email protected]

0417 987 550

Eric Ripper provides a valuable insight into government, politics and public policy in Western Australia.

Eric had a long and distinguished career in the WA Parliament over 25 years as a member of the Australian Labor Party, including time as Deputy Premier; Treasurer; Minister for Energy; and Minister for State Development, as well as Leader of the Opposition.

From 2001 to 2008 Eric was Deputy Premier and Treasurer of WA, engaging in the reform of State taxes and government procurement, the implementation of competition policy; as well as overseeing the development and management of eight State budgets. Eric was also responsible for WA’s participation in recognising the native title rights of Aboriginal people.

As Energy Minister, he implemented a major electricity reform program, including a competitive electricity market, and in the State Development portfolio, Eric negotiated on large LNG and iron ore projects.

Eric was recognised in the 2017 Australia Day Honours as a Member of the Order of Australia, for his service to the people and Parliament of WA, particularly for his work on budgetary reform, native title policy and energy sector developments.

He regularly presents to the business and community sectors on WA and Australian public policy issues.

[email protected]

0417 987 550

Priya Brown brings more than a decade of experience at the highest level of public policy development, political campaigns and strategic communications for State and Federal Government.

Priya most recently served as a Chief of Staff and Special Adviser in the Western Australian Government and has also served as a Principal Adviser to both the Western Australian and Victorian Treasurers.

A treasury and infrastructure expert, Priya played critical roles in commercial decision-making in the Victorian and Western Australian Governments, including the development of four state budgets.

Throughout her career she has also advised Governments in a range of policy areas including Energy, Environment, Climate Change, Finance, Education, Sports, Lands and Multicultural Interests.

Priya is a skilled communicator and stakeholder engagement practitioner, who provides clear analysis to clients on a range of policy areas and government processes, while continuing to foster strong relationships at senior levels in the Federal Government and multiple State Governments.

She understands how to help clients navigate their operating environment and successfully build support for their ideas and projects.

Priya holds a Bachelor of Science/Arts (Psychology) from the University of Western Australia.

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0408 670 902

Luke Forrestal is an accomplished and well-connected financial communications professional with a proven reputation for providing expert media and investor relations advice for the benefit of clients.

Prior to joining GRA Partners, he was responsible for establishing a successful Western Australian business for a leading eastern states-based investor relations agency and served as primary media adviser to ASX50 company Fortescue Metals Group.

Luke has extensive experience in planning and implementing comprehensive communication and investor relations strategies for listed and private companies, including advising on major M&A transactions and IPOs. He is also well versed in effective crisis communications and issues management practices.

With a Bachelor of Arts majoring in journalism from Curtin University, Luke spent seven years with Fairfax Media writing for the Australian Financial Review and Business Review Weekly mastheads before moving into financial communications.

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0411 479 144

Brendan McGrath has more than a decade’s experience working at the Western Australian Department of Treasury across a range of disciplines including asset sales and commercialisations, economic analysis and state tax policy.

He also held the position of Senior Policy Advisor to the Western Australian Treasurer from mid‑2019 to the end of 2020 where he provided advice on a range of economic and financial matters, and played a central role in delivering a number of state budgets and updates.

Brendan has detailed first-hand knowledge of the State Government’s decision-making and Parliamentary processes which offers valuable insight to clients.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in political science and history) from Edith Cowan University and completed his Honours dissertation in political science at the University of Western Australia.

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0404 200 210

Michael Farrell joined GRA Partners after holding highly valued positions in the offices of senior WA Labor State and Federal Members of Parliament.

He has spent the past five years campaigning to achieve successful political outcomes, including State and Federal election campaigns and the Marriage Equality Campaign in 2017.

Michael is experienced in building effective campaign strategies and coordinating community outreach programs. He is also skilled at media monitoring and growing media presence.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Curtin University and is continuing postgraduate studies in Public Policy at the University of Western Australia.

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0426 697 530

Kirsten is CEO of GRACosway, with responsibility for the overall management and strategic development of the firm.

Kirsten leverages more than 20 years’ experience in public policy, government relations and communications to deliver expert counsel to clients. She is a strategic thinker, a problem solver and a respected leader at the top of her field.

With over 20 years in corporate affairs, Natasha Mutch has worked with stakeholders across a broad spectrum of portfolios. They include the energy sector, oil and gas, health, tourism, intellectual property, water, primary industries, urban planning, workforce training, tourism, local government and ministerial media relations.

In addition to her experience in business and private industry, Natasha has held leadership roles in federal, state and local government entities, including as senior media advisor to WA’s Deputy Premier and Minister for Health.

Natasha specialises in communications strategy and research, media relations and crisis communications, understanding that effective issues management has a direct impact on brand and corporate reputation.

She also has a background in identifying positive news stories and raising the profile of individuals and organisations through strategic media opportunities, brand alignment and the development of tactical partnerships.

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0435 383 382

Geoff Elliott is GRACosway’s Joint Managing Partner, Corporate and Financial Communications. He is based in GRACosway’s Sydney office and is jointly responsible for overseeing the firm’s corporate and financial communications practice.

Geoff provides clients with insight and advice on strategic media engagement based on more than 25 years’ experience in domestic and international journalism as a former business editor, media editor and Washington correspondent at The Australian.

Before joining the firm, Geoff also hosted the Australian Business show on Sky and was a regular commentator on radio.

Geoff holds a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Western Australia.

Les is the CEO of Clemenger Group and responsible for the overall strategy, development and sustainability of its business and offer to clients across the Group’s operating companies.
Prior to this, Les was the CEO and one of the founders of GRACosway, the leading public affairs and strategic communications firm in Australia/New Zealand. GRACosway has been a Clemenger Group company since 1998. He was first appointed to the Clemenger Group board in 2014.

Kareece Broadway has led the office administrative team within GRA Partners since 2011.

Kareece has extensive senior experience working within professional service firms, providing high quality office management, client support and assistance to executive staff.

Prior to working with GRA Partners, Kareece was an Executive Assistant to multiple senior partners at a global service firm, with a focus on several sectors including government. She has studied European languages and Human Resource Management.

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0408 928 075