Benjamin Haslem​

Ben is one of Australia’s leading public affairs specialists. He brings over 30 years’ experience as a journalist (print and radio) and a corporate communication, issues management and government relations specialist. He is well-versed in all aspects of public and government relations and has strong networks in media and political circles.

Ben spent a decade as a reporter at The Australian newspaper, where he was a mainstay of their political coverage. He was also the newspaper’s High Court Correspondent, where he covered high-profile and complex cases involving some of Australia’s largest corporations.

In his nearly 20 years as a corporate communications professional, Ben has prepared C-Suite executives for their appearances before the Hayne Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, and executives appearing before parliamentary inquiries. Ben has also hosted and presented webinars involving panellists from across the APAC region.

Ben was a founding partner and CEO of leading independent Australian corporate communications firm, Wells Haslem Mayhew Strategic Public Affairs, and prior to that, CEO of high-profile PR and Government Relations firm, Jackson Wells Morris.

Ben strengthens Icon’s public affairs offering with a strong focus on media liaison; issues and crisis management; stakeholder engagement and consultation; media and presentation training; thought leadership and government relations.