What People Are Saying
"I am writing to personally thank you for your efforts throughout the policy forum process. I know it placed additional pressure on you at a time when your other responsibilities still loomed large.
The quality of work was very high and we now have time to refine ideas further, develop effective communication strategies and produce better outcomes than would otherwise have been the case…
That is also the view of the Prime Minister. He was impressed with the range and creativity of ideas, the sophistication of the political analysis…
Once again, many thanks for your enthusiasm and commitment."
Paul McClintock, Head, Cabinet Policy Office (July 2001)
"I invited Dean to join my personal staff in 1997 after I observed his contribution as Assistant Campaign Director for the 1996 Western Australian State Election which delivered us a second term in Government with a large majority …
I have always found Dean to be an astute, practical thinker and a very proud and loyal Western Australian."
Hon Richard Court AC, former Premier of Western Australia (August 2006)
"Both (Optus and Telstra) heard the starter's gun when the Government announced $1.3 billion in funding in September 2005 after the Telstra privatization was passed by parliament. But instead of Telstra, this time it was Optus that pursued a careful strategy of making the case for a program, which allocated a large proportion of funds in one single program, arguing this was the best way to leverage taxpayer's money. The canny Irish-Australian Paul O'Sullivan at Optus, and his regulatory brains trust of Paul Fletcher and sidekick Dean Smith, played a blinder …"
Michael Sainsbury, The Australian (June 2007)
"Thank you for all your support and encouragement during the recent State election campaign. Your 'show-biz' skill was particularly valuable in what was a great campaign launch. That was critical to our ultimate success as well as being the high point of the campaign itself. Again, with thanks."
Hon Colin Barnett MLA, Premier of Western Australia (September 2008)
"Dean has dedicated himself to the Liberal Party of Australia. His commitment to the party has been complete and unwavering, His loyalty has been without question, with the best interests of the party his priority at all times…
But it is his grassroots participation that is and continues to be so tireless…
Despite the belief within the Party that Brand could not be won in the 2010 Federal Election, Dean was 100% committed to the cause… he is a roll up your sleeves get into the trenches kind of person, and that is exactly what he did every single week for 13 months…
When the length of the campaign started to take its toll, it was Dean that inspired us to get out there and do more…
Dean is an outstanding man who has always been the quiet achiever, shying away from recognition and being in the spotlight."
Donna Gordin, Liberal Candidate for Brand at the 2010 and 2013 Federal elections (February 2011)
Dean Smith, was selected by a joint sitting of the WA Parliament on 2 May 2012 to fill the Senate position vacated by the late Judith Adams.
“Mr President, at 42 years of age, Dean Smith brings energy, tenacity and a capacity to advance Western Australia’s interests in the Senate ... I am confident he will prove to be a very fine Senator for Western Australia.”
Hon Colin Barnett MLA, Premier of Western Australia, 2 May 2012
“... rarely have I heard a finer Maiden Speech. He extolled the virtues of Federalism ... that is a subject where I do occasionally need to be topped up – I do need a reminder from time to time of the virtues of federalism. But he also spoke of something very dear to my heart – the Constitution of this country, including the Crown, which has given us so much strength and so much stability over more than 100 years.”
