The Coalition: Policy, Power and the Path Ahead

Join Matthew Harris, Director at Barton Deakin, for a timely and exclusive webinar unpacking the Coalition’s strategy, policy and power dynamics in Opposition.

Following Labor’s commanding re-election, the Liberal and National parties are regrouping and refocusing for the road ahead. With the Coalition agreement now reaffirmed, attention turns to how the opposition will shape its policy direction, influence the legislative agenda, and reconnect with voters across the country.

Whether your organisation regularly engages with government, monitors policy trends, or advises on public affairs and reputation strategy, this is your essential briefing on the Coalition’s evolving priorities, its role in Parliament, and how best to engage with it.

Key topics include:

• The Coalition’s policy recalibration and pathways to electoral competitiveness

• How it can use the Senate, committees, and reviews to influence government decisions

• Opportunities for engagement under a renewed opposition framework

• What a modern Liberal-National agenda could look like – and what it means for business, advocacy and strategy

Drawing on decades of experience at the highest levels of Australian government relations, Simon will offer valuable guidance for navigating this new phase for the Coalition.

About Matthew Harris

Matthew Harris is a Director at Barton Deakin and is an experienced government adviser and campaign professional.

He has over twenty years experience across government, the private sector and politics. He has been a Senior Adviser and Chief of Staff to ministers in both the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments.

Most recently Matt was the State Director of the National Party in Victoria, driving successful state and federal campaign strategies. Notably, Matt steered the Party’s campaign over the 2022 State Election which delivered the Party’s best result in over 70 years.

As a Federal Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor in Canberra he delivered reform across multiple policy areas including the government’s Infrastructure Investment Program, indigenous health, red tape reduction and nuclear safety. He also held an integral role during the 2016 federal election campaign.

Matt was Chief of Staff to Victorian ministers responsible for higher education, training, energy, resources and small business. Prior to his work for the government he managed the higher education policy team in the Victorian Public Service and ran the then government’s review into regional tertiary education.

Matt’s early career began in London, working in corporate affairs for one of the major UK banks, serving as private secretary to a Director General in the UK Department of Health, and working with European clients at a boutique investment bank.

Matt holds a Bachelors of Physics (Hons) from the University of Kent.