Our Work
A selection of work we have proudly delivered.
Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence
Good Government Advisory was commissioned by the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence to deliver the State of the Sector report, to review the non-government domestic, family, and sexual violence services sector in South Australia.
We delivered a structured, multi-method consultation program with service providers across crisis response, prevention, legal assistance, recovery, healing and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations. The work required sensitive handling of sector dynamics and protection of anonymity.
We delivered the landmark State of the Sector report, which identified key cross-system risks and was presented in a clear, plain-language format suitable for inclusion in a major public inquiry.
"Good Government Advisory's State of the Sector report was a crucial input to the Royal Commission. Danielle's deep understanding of government and the for-purpose sector meant the report was comprehensive, practical, and built on the trusted and authentic connections Danielle developed with the outstanding individuals working in the South Australian domestic, family and sexual violence sector. Her grasp of figures and facts, as well as culture and impact, is remarkable."
Courts Administration Authority Strategic Plan 2024 to 2028
The Courts Administration Authority required a strategic plan that was credible, grounded, and capable of being operationalised in a complex justice environment.
We designed and led the strategic planning process, working with the Courts Administrator, the Executive team, and Council.
This included design and delivery of a staff consultation process, stakeholder input, and development of a practical communications approach to support launch and adoption.
The work navigated a multi-layered authorising environment, including the Authority's connecting points with other parts of government and the broader justice system.
Alongside the plan, we supported translation of strategic intent into clear priorities and a line of sight to operational planning and delivery.
RACMA — Embedding medical leadership in national health reform
The Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators is the specialist medical college for doctors who lead health systems. Its Fellows and trainees hold senior roles across health services, government, regulation, and policy.
We support RACMA as a policy and advocacy partner, translating medical leadership expertise into credible, whole-of-system reform proposals across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
RACMA operates at the intersection of workforce policy, clinical governance, system reform, and political engagement. The work is not issue-based lobbying. It is strategic positioning, ensuring medical leadership is treated as essential infrastructure for workforce sustainability, patient safety, and system performance.
Our work includes:
- Drafting and refining major consultation submissions across workforce, regulation, and system reform, written for government audiences and framed as whole-of-system contributions, not sectional advocacy.
- Developing election and budget advocacy that positions leadership as a practical lever for reform, including workforce design, financial stewardship, digital health, and AI governance.
- Producing position statements that set out governance principles, risk frameworks, and implementation considerations for decision makers.
- Maintaining cross-jurisdictional coherence across Australia and New Zealand, including alignment across regulators, consultation pathways, and federal-state system tensions.
- Regular support to senior leaders and boards to brief, position, and respond under tight timeframes.
This partnership has strengthened RACMA's policy coherence, improved its ability to respond quickly to emerging reforms, and reinforced its position as an authoritative voice on medical leadership and governance.
Leadership and governance are not an add on. They are part of the policy architecture.
"Danielle Elston and Good Government Advisory have been integral to RACMA's policy development and advocacy efforts, consistently providing deep insight into the health portfolio and government processes."
Executive integrity and ethical leadership masterclass
A large public sector agency asked us to design and deliver a masterclass for its executive network.
The brief was clear. Senior leaders were operating in grey areas every day. They needed sharper judgement, better escalation habits, and stronger shared norms around integrity and accountability.
We designed and delivered a bespoke half-day masterclass for 100 executives.
We worked through:
- Decision making in the grey.
- Where responsibility fragments and accountability drifts.
- How cultures normalise risk.
- What it means to brief up under pressure.
- How to build a stop button into systems.
The session combined keynote, case-based analysis, structured dilemma work and peer challenge.
Leaders left with a shared language around integrity, escalation and culture, and clear commitments they could take back to their teams.
"I've been in the VPS for 40 years in many different policy, program development and implementation roles. I started in the grad program. This is the most compelling session/seminar I've ever been to. Thank you Danielle."
"Participating in your 'Levers of Power' course has been an invaluable experience for me. Your expertise in public sector management and engaging teaching style have provided me with practical skills and strategic insights to effectively navigate and influence the health system. Thank you for your time, effort and skill."
"I loved your workshop last week. You were extremely engaging and authentic and you held the attention of a tough crowd. Loved it! Well done."
