shac Account Manager Damian Capp has a broad understanding of public affairs and policy, having spent many years liaising with government and industry bodies. Damian works with clients such as Leighton Contractors, Rheem and Carbon Energy undertaking government relations, stakeholder engagement and research.

Prior to commencing at shac, Damian worked with the Department of Agriculture and Food based in Western Australia as a Trade Policy Analyst, and as a Project Officer for the Chamber of Minerals and Energy. In these roles, Damian was tasked with researching and monitoring ongoing ‘hot’ issues as well as providing assistance across the policy portfolios.

Damian’s experience in public policy is backed up by

his earlier positions with the Grain Growers Association (GGA) and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association of WA (PGA).

As Research & Development and Policy Manager with the GGA, Damian was responsible for engaging with state governments, federal parliamentarians and industry bodies to affect legislative change; building and strengthening relationships with key industry partners; and managing a variety of research and development projects. He was also instrumental in engaging with regulatory bodies regarding competition issues and performance monitoring on an ongoing basis.

In his position as Policy Officer with PGA, Damian drafted submissions to Senate inquiries and engaged with bodies such as the WA Department of Agriculture, the ACCC and the National Competition Council on a range of complex issues.

Damian’s passion for the field of agriculture meant that he was actively involved in rural policy debate and representation to the Federal Government.

In both of these roles, Damian was required to regularly liaise with print and online media to further the aims and messages of these organisations. His work with the media helped to positively position these organisations within the public arena and build their profile within the community.