Former NSW Premier The Hon. Nathan Rees is one of Australia’s most highly regarded advisors on how to work effectively with government. Nathan Rees brings to Counsel House unparalleled experience at the highest levels of government.

As Premier, Nathan steered NSW through the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, retaining the state’s triple A credit rating and improving its credit outlook from critical to stable, making NSW the only jurisdiction to improve its financial outlook during that time.

Throughout his Parliamentary career, Nathan earned a reputation for being respected by both sides of politics as an effective and hard-working leader who brings credibility and integrity to everything he does.

As Minister for Water Utilities, Nathan oversaw the construction of the Sydney Desalination Plant, a project which was delivered on time and $60 million under budget. As Premier, he introduced sweeping reforms to government to provide more transparency, and shepherded in significant and lasting cultural change to NSW Labor. Nathan has worked extensively through all three tiers of government and has an unrivalled knowledge of the machinery of government.

Upon retiring from politics, Nathan took on the role of chief executive of the Public Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the value and reputation of public schools. As Deputy Leader of the Finance Sector Union, Nathan has developed a deep awareness of the cultural and strategic issues facing the finance sector. He is a keen contributor to public debate, and an active member of the Australian Labor Party.  He is in high demand for speaking roles and for his unrivalled and insightful strategic counsel on government relations matters.

The Hon. Peter Collins AM KC has held many Public Sector, Finance, Superannuation, Community and Policy Board positions. Peter is currently the Chairman of Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Board, President of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, Deputy Chairman of Industry Super Australia and Board Member for The Whitlam Institute. 

Peter was a Barrister-at-Law before he was elected as State Member for Willoughby in 1981. Peter held many Ministry portfolios during the Greiner and Fahey Governments including Minister for Health, Attorney General and Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for State Development, Treasurer for NSW and Minister for the Arts. Peter was the Leader of the Opposition from 1995-98. 

Peter served in the Australian Defence Force and retired as Captain(N) in 2012. He was Founder and Chairman of Barton Deakin Government Relations from 2009-17. 

Peter's publications  are 'The Bear Pit' published in 2000 and 'Strike Swiftly - the History of Australian Commandos' published in 2005. Peter has written feature articles published in the Australian Financial Review, the Australian, the Daily Telegraph and the Sydney Morning Herald. He is a regular on ABC TV, ABC 702, ABC Radio National & 2GB 873.

Anna Patty is a senior journalist at The Sydney Morning Herald with more than 20 years' experience covering state politics, health, education, workplace relations and consumer affairs. She started her career on a country newspaper in Bowral before later joining The Illawarra Mercury, The Sun Herald, The Daily Telegraph and The Sydney Morning Herald. Her career with News Corp also took her to The Athens Olympics and The Times of London where she wrote investigative health stories.