Team

David is the founder of Brockwell. Between 2020 and 2024, he was an Associate Partner at strategic communications consultancy SEC Newgate, where he helped clients navigate issues which spanned policy, government, business, the media and global affairs.

Before joining SEC Newgate Australia, David was based in London where he led UK public policy for US financial services company Square (now Block). He previously served as a policy adviser to the former Australian Foreign Minister the Hon Julie Bishop during the Turnbull Government. Prior to this, he spent four years at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute working both as an analyst and managing editor of The Strategist, the Institute’s commentary platform.

David established and led the Australia-Japan Youth Dialogue between 2016 and 2020. He was previously a Visiting Research Fellow at the National Institute for Defense Studies in Tokyo, a Young Leader with Pacific Forum in Hawaii, and a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum. He has been a delegate to the Australian-American Young Leadership Dialogue, the Australia-EU Emerging Leaders Forum, and the Australia-India Youth Dialogue, and is a past recipient of the Rob Chalenor Prize for Outstanding Young Strategic Leadership.

David holds a Bachelor of Business Management from the University of Queensland and a Master of International Relations from Griffith University.

Michael is Brockwell’s Policy and Advocacy Lead. He brings over a decade of experience navigating government, parliament and policy processes to advance priorities, and manage complex or contested matters for senior Labor figures.

Before joining Brockwell, Michael served as Adviser to Senator the Hon. Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance, Women, the Public Service and Government Services. He provided strategic policy, political and parliamentary advice across the Minister’s portfolios. His policy work spanned digital government and public service reform, and delivery through coordination with departments, central agencies, the ALP, the union movement and other key stakeholders. He also shaped parliamentary strategy including Question Time preparation, resolved contested legislative matters, managed FOI processes, and undertook specialised political research.

Michael worked in various advisory roles in the Federal Opposition from 2013 onwards. As the Australian Public Service policy adviser, he led development of Labor’s 2022 APS reform agenda, which included policies to rebuild internal APS capability while delivering $3 billion in savings. He also supported Senator the Hon. Penny Wong as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, providing parliamentary and Question Time strategy advice, and served as lead adviser for the Senate Select Committee on COVID-19, coordinating the Opposition’s response.

Earlier, Michael served as Housing and Homelessness Adviser to Senator Doug Cameron, leading development of Labor’s 2019 housing policies including the National Rental Affordability Scheme, re-establishing the National Housing Supply Council, and initiatives such as the Safe Housing Fund.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science and History) from the University of Melbourne.

Mathilda is a Senior Consultant at Brockwell, where she partners with clients across a broad spectrum of industries on corporate affairs issues. With a nuanced understanding of the Australian, British and European media landscapes, she supports organisations in navigating complex communications challenges with clarity and influence.

Most recently working at Burson’s London office as a Senior Account Executive, Mathilda worked across high-profile global, EMEA and UK accounts in both the public and private sectors. She played a central role in the development and delivery of targeted communications strategies which helped to align stakeholders and secure international media coverage.

Before relocating to the UK, Mathilda held roles at SEC Newgate Australia, where she advised clients on the interplay between the media and policy environments.

Mathilda brings a strong track record in translating complex issues into compelling narratives, securing national and international media attention, and shaping messaging that cuts through with influencers and decision makers. Her work has delivered tangible results in brand positioning, policy advocacy, and reputation management across multiple jurisdictions.

Mathilda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications & Art History from University of Melbourne.