about us
We specialise in providing comprehensive policy, government relations, and strategic advisory services in the digital sector.
Policy Australia was founded by Carolyn Hough, who has more than 25 years of experience at the forefront of policy and regulatory development in Australia with a mission to deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Our team of public policy and operational experts are dedicated to shaping public policy and legislative outcomes, leveraging our deep understanding of the intersection between technology and public policy, and supporting organisations to operationalise their compliance obligations. Our team specialises in online safety regulation, and supporting businesses in responding to the new eSafety Codes, Standards and Basic Online Safety Expectations.
" Whether supporting a startup or a global company, our approach is the same: listen deeply, understand your business, map the policy landscape for risk and opportunity, and build a strategic approach that works. Whether supporting a startup or a global company, our approach is the same: listen deeply, understand your business, map the policy landscape for risk and opportunity, and build a strategic approach that works".
advice.
Strategy.
Development.
Implementation.
As well as designing evidence based Government and Public Affairs strategies, we also help organisations seamlessly integrate policy and regulatory requirements into their business, ensuring compliance, reducing risks, and fostering sustainable growth in a rapidly changing environment.
We specialise in the policy and regulation requirements in the digital, technology and online space, which in today’s world increasingly impacts every business.
By navigating complex regulations and codes, and tailoring implementation strategies to your needs, we enable companies to focus on their core objectives while staying ahead of legal and regulatory obligations.
founder - director - ceo
Carolyn Hough
Carolyn Hough is one of Australia’s most respected policy lawyers, government relations professionals, and strategic thinkers. Her career spans over two decades, during which she has worked extensively with government departments, industry associations, and major corporations. As an inspiring leader and a strategic advisor, Carolyn’s expertise covers a broad range of areas, including internet and communications law, privacy, content regulation, and online safety.
Good strategy is never 'off the shelf'. We specialise in helping clients turn complex regulatory challenges into clear, workable policy solutions aligned with business goals.
ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS
Carolyn’s academic achievements reflect her dedication to continuous learning and expertise in her field:
- Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (Order of Merit), 2024
- Certificates in Cybersecurity, AI, and Regulatory Economics from TAFE NSW and the Australian Centre for Regulatory Economics
- Bachelor of Laws (Honours Class 1) and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wollongong
GOVERNMENT
ADVISORY
ROLES
We have unparalleled access and insight into Australia policy discussion and decision-making. Carolyn’s advisory roles have been pivotal in shaping
Australia’s digital policy landscape:
- Member of the Attorney-General’s Reference Group on Copyright and AI (2024 – present)
- Advisory Committee member for the Australian Law Reform Commission’s review of Copyright and the Digital Economy (2011-2014)
- Member of the Rudd/Gillard Government Ministerial Advisory Consultative Group on Cybersafety (2007-2010)
Get to know
Our Team
Implementation consultant
Cortney Thomson
Cortney is a skilled operational consultant, with a depth of experience managing start-ups and scale-ups in the technology or innovation sectors.
Cortney is an experienced COO, and has developed and implemented operational systems and compliance documentation for businesses large and small.
Cortney started her career in the early 2000’s in crisis communications and as a strategic communications advisor for global B2B companies in the mining, energy, industrial and technology sectors. Cortney was a press officer at Lehman Brothers during its 2008 crash, a story she’ll gladly tell.
Cortney holds a Bachelor of Business from Swinburne University and Diploma in Marketing.
policy consultant
Sarah Pearce
Sarah is an Online Safety consultant with experience in exploring the Online Safety regulations and compliance requirements for our clients under the new eSafety regulations.
Since joining Policy Australia, Sarah has supported a number of clients in understanding the new standards, working through new classifications, and documenting new organisational compliance requirements. Sarah is passionate about helping organisations ensure their online platforms are safe spaces for all and how safety by design can be integrated to prevent online abuse from occurring.
Prior to joining Policy Australia, Sarah was the Legal & Compliance Officer for the University of Wollongong Law Student’s Society, and she currently sits on the board of the Wollongong West Street Centre. She currently studies a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Wollongong and will graduate in 2026.
It all starts with a conversation.
Please fill in our contact form, and a member of our experienced team will be in touch.
