The more things change, the more they stay the same – Capital Hill is no exception

Our national capital, in many ways, is like a snow globe. I’m not referring to the very light dusting of powder it receives every few winters. I mean that even after it is thoroughly shaken up – as it was a few months back – everything settles back into place, often very quickly.

I was struck, when visiting Parliament House last week, by how the daily routine and the pace of life haven’t changed in the 25 years I’ve been visiting Capital Hill. No doubt my colleagues – particularly Larry Anthony and Bernie Ripoll, who have been making the trip for even longer – feel the same way.

Some 21 years since I left the Canberra Press Gallery, it’s somehow reassuring to see many of the same media faces clustered around Aussie’s coffee shop. And 18 years after walking the halls as a ministerial adviser, I still encountered many of the same people in the same corridors.

Why is this worthy of mention?  Because this long-term connection and consistency is the bedrock of the results we at the SAS Group achieve for our clients. Our Canberra relationships have been formed and curated over many years – and, in some cases, decades.

Ten of our team members have worked in Parliament House in Canberra – across Labor and Coalition offices and media outlets. Each of them contributes different connections, experience and insights to the task of supporting our clients.

What we have in common is a shared purpose. It was a real privilege to see many of my colleagues in action in the House last week – making introductions and providing outstanding advice to clients.

As a bipartisan firm, it’s something we’ve always been able to do as the winters come and go. Regardless of which side is in power, we can always find a familiar face and a sympathetic ear. Even after a big shake-up.