Sssshhh, it's a secret

I am currently interning at the Public Transport Authority and finding it really interesting to be working in a department whose actions actually affect everyday people. The PTA is responsible for the public transport infrastructure, this includes building train lines, stations, bus stops ext.

Stakeholders

There are so many different stakeholders to consider, from local residents opposing plans for a new train station being built near their home, to the state premier who needs to ensure the PTA deliver on his election promises.

PTA projects can have significant effects on various communities and individuals. When making decisions about projects the PTA must consult with various other government departments, shires, agencies and of course the public. It is important that the public are consulted, because the projects are being funded by tax payers contributions.

Keeping it under wraps

From a communications point of view including so many people can be problematic in preventing information from being leaked to the general public. The more people that know a secret, the harder it is to keep.

Last week the PTA had a case where information about the new underground Perth Busport’s second entry had been leaked to the media. At that point in time the PTA had not yet informed the public of the decision to include a second entry in the busport.

Fly through animation of the new underground Perth Busport.

For more information on the Perth Busport second entry click here.

The art of being prepared

Information leakages are difficult to manage because so many other departments and agencies have to have access to the information. I was very impressed with how my supervisor, the Communication Project Manager handled the situation. She had all the documentation already written and ready to be sent out. Had she not been prepared she would have had to work all night writing and finalising fact sheets, media releases and speech notes.

It just goes to show how much being organised pays off.

Whitney