About Me - My Biography

Having recently made the move from Parliament House to launch her own strategic political consultancy based in Canberra, Jo Scard has an insider's perspective of the Gillard Government that few others have. As a strategic political advisor and consultant Jo gives companies, organisations and not-for-profits the tools to navigate Australia's evolving political environment.Jo played a unique role as a senior adviser to the Rudd and Gillard Governments, managing complex Senate negotiations across all portfolios. As a consultant at world-leading public affairs agency Gavin Anderson, Jo advised domestic and offshore governments and major global corporates on complex strategic communications issues.In the UK she was a senior strategist for the British Labour Party, managing media, advertising and campaigning across London's 72 constituencies and assisted the British Government's foreign aid efforts in Eastern Europe.A respected speaker and university lecturer in political communications and public relations, Jo is an advisor in the digital communications space on social media and government. A leading commentator on politics and work-life balance issues, she co-authored the successful book, The Working Mother's Survival Guide.

My Expertise

At Fifty Acres we’re able to take the big picture approach while seamlessly combining it with experience and mastery of each and every communications discipline. When it comes to communications, it’s probably easier to list what we don’t do, but just to give you an idea, Jo and her team can help your business with: Communications, Government Relations, Media Relations, Stakeholder Relations, Social Media, Strategic Workshops, Content Creation, Video Production and Event Management.

My Passions

Jo is passionate about social media, the Not-For-Profit sector, work-life balance, her children and her farm.

My Interests

Knitting, indie perfumes and horses.

How I Can Help Other Members

If you’re a corporate or Not-For-Profit that’s feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of government thinking, or struggling to develop the right PR or strategic communications plan, don’t worry. Fifty Acres can help.Jo Scard and her well-connected team of experts will work closely with your business to develop an intelligent communications strategy and build long-lasting relationships with both the media and government. So, whether you need to improve your relationship with government, or you’re looking for better media management and more comprehensive stakeholder research, you’ve come to the right place. Oh, and in case you’re wondering: yes, we used to be The Jo Scard Agency. Just as the communications landscape changes, so our brand has evolved to represent our new big picture approach.

Why I Became a HerBusiness Member

ABN is a great place to learn new skills, meet new people and hear from others about how I can develop my business.