Clarity, confidence and credibility in high-stakes environments
Risk Communication Australia advises boards, executives and project teams on the social, regulatory and governance conditions that shape trust, approvals, project confidence and organisational credibility.
We work across socio-political risk, complex approvals, stakeholder strategy, risk communication, cultural heritage governance, social performance, organisational capability and social investment.
About
Risk Communication Australia was founded by Paul McLeod in 2013, initially as Collaborate West.
Paul is a senior advisor, project strategist and Certified Practising Risk Manager with the Risk Management Institute of Australasia. He has more than 30 years’ experience in risk communication, social performance and complex project environments across government, resources, infrastructure, community and not-for-profit settings.
He leads each engagement personally, bringing senior judgement to situations where trust, approvals, governance, stakeholder pressure and organisational credibility are in play.
When a matter calls for additional expertise, Paul works with a small network of senior specialists in environmental approvals, cultural heritage, governance, facilitation, social performance and organisational change.
Services
Advisory
We provide strategic advice to help organisations manage risk, build trust and deliver outcomes. Our advisory services span stakeholder engagement, crisis planning, compliance and social impact, combining clear thinking with practical frameworks and deep experience.
Facilitation
We lead structured discussions, workshops, and briefings that align stakeholders, manage tension, and get results. Sessions are grounded, productive, and forward-focused.
Training
We deliver training in risk communication, outrage management, and stakeholder strategy. Programs are practical, engaging, and shaped by lived experience in high-stakes environments.
Capacity Building
We help build the systems, skills, and confidence your team needs to manage risk independently. It's about more than solving the problem. It’s about building long-term strength.
WHO WE WORK WITH
Risk Communication Australia works with organisations operating in settings where trust, approvals, reputation, governance and stakeholder confidence matter.
Our experience spans resources, energy, infrastructure, government, research, health, community services, not-for-profit organisations and arts and cultural programmes. We are particularly familiar with major project environments, where technical, commercial, environmental, social and political issues often need to be managed at the same time.
Our strongest sector experience is in critical and strategic minerals, clean energy transition, public and environmental health risk communication, corporate social performance, ESG management and reporting, cultural heritage governance, community development and industry partnerships.
We are especially interested in work that supports responsible development, decarbonisation, food security, public value, stronger communities, participation and self-determination for First Nations people, and cultural life.
When we are useful
Clients usually come to Risk Communication Australia when an issue is important, sensitive or difficult to frame.
The work may involve a project under pressure, a contested approval, a complex stakeholder environment, a cultural heritage or agreement matter, a social performance gap, a board-level risk question, or a decision that needs to be explained clearly and credibly.
We bring senior judgement, plain thinking and practical structure to situations where the usual engagement, communication or compliance tools are not enough.
The work may involve a project under pressure, a contested approval, a complex stakeholder environment, a cultural heritage or agreement matter, a social performance gap, a board-level risk question, or a decision that needs to be explained clearly and credibly.
We bring senior judgement, plain thinking and practical structure to situations where the usual engagement, communication or compliance tools are not enough.
