STW-owned PR firm Parke and Partners has bolstered its offering in its Canberra office hiring a former political spin doctor ahead of the federal election slated for September 14.

Michael Hartmann has joined the firm as director of government relations, and will be tasked with driving business growth and bolstering the firm’s government credentials in the capital.

His previous roles have included stints with the Coalition, independent MPs and minority parties, in sectors including agriculture, innovation and higher education.

Other Canberra-based roles include deputy director of the Cattle Council of Australia, CEO of Cooperative Research Centres Association, and Director of Communication and Government Relations at Universities Australia (UA) – the peak body representing the university sector.

Mathew Jones, managing director, Parker & Partners, said: “Michael is a great asset to the team. We are confident his drive and commitment to seeking new business will pay early dividends in what’s quickly shaping up to be an exciting election year.

“As government relations has become both more sophisticated and more highly regulated and scrutinised, it’s vital that practitioners have both the right connections and relationships and the strategic know-how and creativity to help drive clients’ agendas forward.”