John Ramsay & Associates works to develop solutions to meet client requirements, for small, medium
and large organisations across the public, private and non-government sectors.

We have wide knowledge and experience in government operations, with particular experience in four
major sectors:

• health and human services
• environment, planning, land management and
• natural resources
• law and justice

Our knowledge and experience has been gained at a national, state and local government level with
special experience in intergovernmental relations.

Our key skills are:

• Problem solving and strategic advice
• Facilitation
• Policy analysis, development and implementation
  
• Strategic planning
  
• Stakeholder management and consultation
  
• Dispute resolution
  
• Written and verbal communication

We have expertise in:

• Government processes
  
• Intergovernmental relations
  
• Legislation and budget development and implementation
  
• Policy and program management in health, human services, environment and planning,
  resource development
  
• Health workforce policy, planning and development
  
• Organisational planning, governance and administration
  

John Ramsay

John Ramsay is a lawyer with over twenty years experience as a Chief Executive in the Tasmanian
Government. He was Secretary of the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services from
1999 – 2005, after heading the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment and the
Department of Justice.

His work is characterised by an ability to understand high level strategic issues whilst relating to local
concerns and engaging at the individual or stakeholder level. He is skilled in understanding multiple
perspectives and creating an environment that facilitates group participation.

Since he left the public sector in 2005, a part of his consulting practice has been in health related areas,
including work for the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council and the Australian Commission on
Safety and Quality in Health Care and in environment and natural resources, working for the Tasmanian
and Commonwealth Governments.

Helen Townley

Ms Helen Townley has a legal and policy background, with strong analytical and research skills. She has
worked at a federal level in the areas of legal policy, advice and legislation, and at a state level in legal
aid. She then spent several years working in public and environmental health policy and legislation
development and more recently focused on broader health policy, in particular health workforce
regulation, policy and projects. She has strong communication and consultation skills. Her highly
developed analytical skills are matched by a strength in synthesising and recording group discussions.