Presenters

Julian Brophy, Director, Perception Partners
Julian Brophy is a strategic communications specialist of 30 years standing. He holds a BA Hons. from the University of Sydney and has worked as a broadcaster, government advisor and specialist provider of high level communications, stakeholder and engagement advice. His career in communications commenced in 1989 at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation ABC where he was employed as a journalist in the Radio News bureau in Sydney. His work as a broadcast journalist included specialising in financial reporting and contributing to national radio news bulletins as well as regular programs on ABC local radio and Radio National. Julian hosted his own program on Sydney’s ABC 702 before working on the development and establishment of Australia’s first 24-hour news network, ABC News Radio, on which he was a broadcast anchor. After leaving the ABC he led communications in government in the challenging health portfolio in New South Wales between 1995 and 1999. His time in government provided the highest level of experience in, and understanding of, public policy, government and legal process and the critical interface of these with the media, stakeholders and the community. Julian commenced private practice in 1999 and is the Principal of Perception Partners, a specialist provider of high-level strategic communications’ advice and counsel. He is skilled in crisis communications and issues management and has extensive experience in the provision of advice for clients within the legal context including complex commercial and other litigation, Royal Commissions, other Commissions of Inquiry and civil & criminal proceedings. His expertise includes the provision of a wide range of communication services including: Development of communications strategies and plans including proactive and defensive media management; Crisis communication services and issues management; Reputation management; Stakeholder liaison and management, including government, community and private sector; and Media training and preparation services.


Robyn Druitt, Barrister, Lachlan Macquarie Chambers
Robyn Druitt is a barrister at Lachlan Macquarie Chambers. She was admitted to the bar on 4 February 1991. Prior to this Robyn practiced as a solicitor from 1977-1991 in country New South Wales then suburban Sydney. Robyn's bar practice is now mainly in the area of Family Law, where she has a particular interest in advocacy in Family Law and sexual abuse. Robyn has extensive experience in the Children's Court (including Children of God litigation) and Common Law Claims against DOCS and NSW Department of Education (for the Crown in indigenous and non indigenous claims by wards as to abuse in care and sexually abused pupils in public schools). She was previously the President of NSW Young Lawyers (1983-1984) and a member of Family Law Committee (Law Society and Bar Association), the Legal Aid Committee (Law Society) and the Equal Opportunity Committee (Bar Association). Robyn is married with 3 children.