Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s media team in a spin over appointment of PR and lobby firm

Already rocked by a staff exodus, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has antagonised his own media unit to the point where sources say a mass walkout was discussed.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Chris Kidd

Already rocked by a staff exodus, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has antagonised his own media unit to the point where sources say a mass walkout was discussed.

Media advisers in the government communications unit were outraged last Friday when Mr Rockliff announced the appointment of external PR, lobbyist and publishing firm Font PR to temporary assist the unit.

This followed the sudden resignation of communications chief Lee Anderson, one of at least six senior figures to quit key roles in the past six months.

Sources told The Australian the announcement of Font’s role blindsided and angered media advisers and a mass resignation or walkout was contemplated.

Others said there was no “serious” plan for a mass walkout at the unit, which usually employs about 10, but the announcement was poorly handled and generated significant disquiet.

Some within government, including within the media unit, believe it contains sufficiently experienced staff to cover a temporary absence of a director.

A government spokesman downplayed the internal angst. “The latest rumour that suggests a mass walkout is not true,” he said.

Sources said the Font appointment fuelled concerns among some staff about the approach of Mr Rockliff’s chief of staff, Vanessa Field. The government refused to say who made the decision to call in the firm.

Mr Rockliff’s decision to appoint Font – at a cost of $50,000 for two months – has generated concern within the PR industry, with practitioners telling The Australian it was “bizarre” and a “terrible look”.

They expressed concern about Font potentially receiving an advantage from inside knowledge, such as of upcoming contracts, and about the “optics” arising from a firm with registered lobbyists being “embedded” in a government media unit.

Several suggested the state’s Integrity Commission should examine the arrangement.

The government spokesman insisted there was nothing improper. “Font PR is part of a ­government-approved panel for communications and marketing, and will be providing communi­cations support, such as media releases and speechwriting,” he said.

“This is a short-term arrangement due to a combination of staff leave and the resignation of the government’s communications director, a position which has been advertised.

“Appropriate procurement processes were followed and advice sought to mitigate against conflicts of interest and ensure confidentiality. The services are being provided by someone (Font partner Danielle McKay) who is not a registered lobbyist.”

The latest internal strife was seized on by the Labor opposition. “Once again, we’re privy to the deep divisions and unhappiness within the minority Rockliff Liberal government,” said Labor fin­ance spokesman Dean Winter.

“It’s clear the unprecedented appointment of external PR firm and lobbyist Font PR to run the government’s media has not only appalled the Tasmanian community but the Premier’s own staff.”

Font declined to comment.

Ms Field has declined to comment directly.

There is some frustration within government that the Premier has not sufficiently “reset” its narrative following the slide into minority. Staff and MPs say they are unsure whether Mr Rockliff intends to fight on through and past the next election, due in 2025, or quit politics. There has also been speculation of an early election.

Mr Rockliff, on leave on Thursday, left it to his deputy, Michael Ferguson, to reject early election talk, which has spooked business.

“Uncertainty damages business confidence and that affects the entire community because businesses become more reluctant to invest or employ more people,” said Michael Bailey, chief executive of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.