Why We Can Help You
Ethical Consulting Services: Expert Advice on Lobbying, Government Relations, and Governance
Mike leads all projects and draws on other freelance consultants when needed.
Ethical Consulting Services is not just experienced—we’re ethical, knowledgeable, insightful, and meticulous. We apply decades of experience at the intersection of politics, policy, and persuasion, and decades helping improve governance, to help you achieve results.
We help you understand how to navigate government processes and develop effective lobbying strategies, so you can get the outcomes you need while staying true to your values. We will help you fix or strengthen existing governance systems.
Many of the things you and I want are in the hands of a government. I wrote Mastering the Dark Art of Lobbying to show you how you can go get whatever it is you’re after—demystifying the process so you can achieve what you want while staying true to your values.
Our Experience
Mike brings four decades of hands-on experience in lobbying, government relations, and governance systems to every project—whether it’s a one-day workshop or an ongoing advisory engagement. For over 30 years, he has devised and delivered customised training for businesses, community organisations, and professionals.
He has learned firsthand what it takes to negotiate, advise, and get results, both inside and outside the halls of power.
He’s been a Ministerial Chief of Staff, a political party leader, union negotiator and advocate, a company director, and a trusted consultant to businesses, community groups, and industry associations. He’s also a qualified trainer, having taught lobbying, governance, and campaigning skills through custom workshops, university courses and presentations, and at international conferences.
Mike has worked with the resource sector, information technology, property development, professional associations, the service sector, community groups, and many others.
Along the way, Mike realized something important: lobbying and governance don’t have to be intimidating or opaque. The skills to do these things can – and should – be made easy enough for anyone to grasp.
That’s why he wrote the book—literally.
Mastering the Dark Art of Lobbying is Mike’s way of sharing everything he’s learned in one practical, accessible guide.
He has a Grad Cert in Management from the University of Queensland, and is a qualified trainer, with and a Cert IV in Training and Assessment. He’s also directed, managed or mentored election campaigns at all levels, and presented at Australian and US campaigning conferences.
Why Choose Ethical Consulting Services?
We understand that choosing a consultant or trainer is a big decision. You need someone who not only knows the system but also operates with integrity and clarity. Here’s what sets us apart:
Decades of Real-World Experience
We bring over 40 years of experience in negotiation, advocacy, and persuasion, and more than 30 years of devising and delivering training. We don’t deliver just theory; we help you apply real-world insights to your goals.
Ethical, Knowledgeable, Insightful, Meticulous
Our guidance is principled, transparent, and aligned with positive values. We look beyond the surface to better identify opportunities, challenges, and strategic opportunities. And, we ensure every relevant element is carefully addressed.
Clear & Practical Guidance
Lobbying, government relations, and governance must all be transparent, strategic, and ethical. We cut through the jargon and mystery to give you straightforward, actionable advice.
Training That Works
Over 30 years’ experience designing and delivering training, coupled with extensive lobbying and governance experience, ensures you can be confident our scheduled training gives you a good grounding in the essentials. If you prefer, we customise sessions around what your team needs – we’re happy to discuss.