• Government Navigator for Engineers

    A one on one session with an experienced trusted advisor to support you make the most of your public sector projects.

    You know your stuff, but government speaks a different language

    We get it - you've been successful in winning and delivering public sector projects, but there are times when some aspects just don't make sense. What is the decision making behind certain matters, 'soft' tender requirements that aren't quite clear about what is wanted or a policy or political overlay that might be opaque.

    Government Navigator for Engineers is a straightforward, light touch and affordable way for you to build your knowledge and capability in this area with access to the advice and support of a trusted advisor with 25 years working with government - an opportunity to have all your questions answered.

    What you'll gain from your Government Navigator for Engineers session:

    • Decode what government really wants behind formal requirements
    • Understand the political context of your technical decisions
    • Navigate stakeholder relationships with confidence
    • Position your expertise in language that resonates with decision-makers

    Whether you are an engineer in a large firm seeking your own reality check or the principal of your own engineering consultancy wanting someone to demystify this area, a Government Navigator for Engineers session could be for you.

    These sessions are currently running at a discounted rate as a special promotion for Engineers Australia members.

  • Ready to jump in?

  • A one on one session to answer all your burning questions

    Steve Cusworth (CPEng EngExec NER MIEAust) has worked with and for government for twenty five years with deep experience of how government makes decisions. Drawing on his policy, political, operational and advisory experience developed advising corporate, non-profit and public sector clients,

    "I have launched the Government Navigator for Engineers service as a cost-effective means to provide trusted advisor support specifically for engineers navigating public sector projects. This has come about after multiple queries from engineers in both large and small firms who wanted to know more about this area but our full service advisory function was not cost effective for an initial, exploratory approach."

    "I have also discovered that what I enjoy the most out of what I do is direct engagement working one on one or with groups of interested people to distill down the complexity of these issues and see real progress in the awareness, knowledge and confidence in this area."

    "This one hour online session allows for a full and frank discussion on a range of your issues and queries and is supported by preparatory questions and a two week post event check in to maximise the utility of the session." - Steve Cusworth. For more background on Steve, please see below.

  • Testimonials

    Engineering Consultant

    “Steve was recommended to me by a contact in state government as someone who could help me better understand the ins and outs of the more complex aspects of how government does what it does.”
    "I have significant experience working on state and local government projects but I am someone who always wants to know more about the environment I am working within and an opportunity to discuss a range of my queries and questions about government with Steve was very helpful."
    “The approach Steve took in terms of preparation questions for me and the insights and explanations during the sessions themselves certainly helped me gain a better contextual understanding of government matters that impacted my work. I find myself often drawing on those insights during discussions with both clients and my staff and in preparation of our written materials."
    - Director, Engineering Consultancy

    Government Agency Workshop

    A strategy session/presentation was delivered for 80 attendees of a Victorian Government Agency on navigating their authorising environment.
    Feedback included:
    "Very engaging."
    "Great thought experiment to generate participation."
    "Steve was highly engaging and encouraged interaction throughout the session which helped tailor the topic to our specific context."
    "Enjoyed the clarity, simplicity and cut through of the presentation material."
    "Really liked the practical section at the end on what resources may help us in our day to day roles."
    "Enjoyed Steve's style to bring some humour to what I thought would be a very dry topic!"
    - Attendee Feedback, Victorian Government Agency

    State Government Board

    “Steve undertook a session during a recent Board strategy day to provide a contemporary overview of the current state of play with a frank, informative and respectful assessment of government issues, decisions and pressures that may impact on our own decision making.”
    “Steve undertook a session during a recent Board strategy day to provide a contemporary overview of the current state of play with a frank, informative and respectful assessment of government issues, decisions and pressures that may impact on our own decision making.”
    “The attendees valued the unique insights Steve offered and the opportunity to ask detailed questions that were answered with context, detail and humour resulting in high levels of engagement.”

    - Board Chair, Victorian Government Agency

    Renewable Energy Developer

    “Our organisation is at the forefront of the renewable energy transition in Australia and we are regular contributors to the policy debate including through the preparation of detailed policy submissions on a range of policy and operational consultations, both formal and informal.”
    “FPL Advisory have assisted us on several occasions with respect to the development or review of our policy submissions and they have provided us with the on-call capacity and capability when required to ensure our submissions are hitting the mark.”
    “Steve Cusworth brings an understanding of our operating environment, project sensitivities, reform requirements and political realities to these activities and works effectively with our internal stakeholders across both technical and commercial functions to value add to our positioning – often with demanding timelines.”
    - CDO, Renewable Energy Infrastructure Developer

    Water Sector

    “As an industry committed to ongoing reform and forward thinking, we take a collective approach to our strategic thinking and advocacy efforts. At times, this creates a challenge to capture the diversity of views and opinions across the range of internal stakeholders.”
    “FPL Advisory were engaged to assist us in this process and Steve Cusworth prepared and facilitated a detailed strategy session to identify the common ground, debate any divergence of views and seek to arrive at a common position."
    "Steve brought his understanding of the water sector, key players, operating environment and broader government dynamics in addition to the facilitation activity on the day to contribute as well as guide the discussion.”
    - CEO, Victorian Water Sector

    Engineering Team

    "Our team is involved in several public sector projects and our public sector clients often look to us to manage or solve issues that are outside of the expertise of some of our team members - and which are not strictly part of our duties."
    "To assist our long-term relationships, we take a view of how we can help and to assist that we have drawn on the advice and support of Steve Cusworth to help us build our internal capability in this area across both an understanding of issues to consider and how we can anticipate those and avoid problems down the track."
    "Steve's approach and style for the workshops being both informative and bit light hearted helps some of my more cynical team members to appreciate why were undertaking them."
    - Engineering Manager, Utility Sector

    For our case studies click here.

  • FAQs

    Don't want to read anymore and want to get stuck in? Then book here.

  • Book a Session

    The Government Navigator for Engineers Session is currently available at a discounted price of $395 including GST.

    If the calendar below does not load, please click here: https://calendly.com/s-cusworth-fpladvisory/governmentnavigator

    If you have any additional queries about the Government Navigator for Engineers session, any problems booking or any other matters, please email us at info@fpladvisory.com.au.

  • About Steve Cusworth

    Steve is the Managing Director of FPL Advisory and he leads the range of activities and advisory services undertaken by FPL Advisory for clients in the private, government and not-for-profit sectors.

    Steve has significant experience in developing and delivering long term reform programs for clients in addition to strategic engagement advice and execution activities.

    With experience as an adviser and Chief of Staff and his previous and current roles in the corporate sector, Steve has a comprehensive understanding of the tensions and demands across the government, business and not-for-profit divide.

    With significant experience across many industries, he also has a range of specific policy and commercial interests including inter-generational issues, regulatory disruption and the strains on civic institutions during this period of exponential change.

    Steve holds a Master of Commerce (International Trade and Business) and a Bachelor of Engineering (Electronic and Communications) and is undertaking further postgraduate studies at the National Security College at ANU. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and is also a Member of the Institute of Engineers, a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) and holds Engineering Executive status.

    Find out more about Steve at his LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevecusworth