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OUR PROFILE

Established in 1993 and working mostly in Melbourne and Canberra, Affairs of State grew out of Alistair Urquhart’s 30 years of business, political and community experience; and his earlier education in Washington DC and Canberra.

Affairs Of State provides a suite of professional services to Australian and multinational businesses, professional associations, government agencies, lobby groups, NGOs and community causes in Australia and abroad.

Focussing on issues and trends specific to your industry and sector, Affairs Of State combines its networks, inside knowledge and acumen to ensure tailored and expedient solutions to the issues affecting your business and the opportunities you are missing out on.

Alistair’s ability to negotiate, manoeuvre and influence, combined with his engaging and charismatic style, has solved crises and moved, sometimes small, mountains for small start-up enterprises and other businesses.

AFFAIRS OF STATE:

• Provides independent advice relevant to your sector, separate and discrete from other professional services and business relationships;

 

• Operates across the local, state and federal political levels;

 

• Engages with and for governments and businesses throughout Australia, and overseas;

 

• Has developed a strong and enviable client list, indicative of the independence and professionalism of its government relations negotiations;

 

• Works across all factions and political parties;

 

• Has eminent and unmatched networks that connect you directly with decision-makers.

ALISTAIR URQUHART
Managing Director

Alistair Urquhart’s career in public affairs, policy and government relations spans 30 years at the state and national level.

His professional career includes experience as an international coal trader in Australia, Europe and the United States, with an investment banker in New York and finance broking for the SME sector in Victoria. 

Alistair Urquhart’s strengths lie in negotiation and relationship building and business development.  He is an artist at developing networks within Australia and internationally, and via these networks, can contribute to your business growth and professional success.

An Honorary Fellow of the Australian Centre for Agriculture and Law at the University of New England, Alistair also chairs innovative disability employment agency, WISE Employment.  He is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Melbourne, the Australian Institute of International Affairs, Keep Australia Beautiful, the Australian Institute of Energy, the Australian National University Alumni and the Pacific Institute.

Since 1994 Alistair has been Publisher and Editor of Letter From Melbourne, a publication providing a monthly focus on the activities of government and the community in Melbourne and Victoria. As historian Geoffrey Blainey says, Letter From Melbourne is ‘a vital contemporary source on Victorian politics and legislation’.  See ‘Our Publications’ for further details.

OUR TEAM

Affairs Of State is supported by a strong and diverse team of associates who are experts in their fields.

Affairs Of State also believes in fostering the acumen of Generation Next and employs second or honours degrees students from a range of disciplines.

Common interests in global issues, Australian public policy and politics and the arts ensure that Affairs Of State remains current and lateral in its approach to issues and strategy.

The Affairs Of State network of valuable relationships throughout Australia and overseas creates opportunity and insight for your business opportunities.

14 COLLINS STREET, MELBOURNE 3000, VICTORIA AUSTRALIA

CONTACT : +61 3 9654 1300 / FAX : +61 3 9654 1165 / EMAIL : info@affairs.com.au