People

Sandy Biar is an experienced strategic communications and public affairs adviser who partners with leaders to navigate complexity, manage risk and achieve durable policy and reputational outcomes. With two decades of experience across government, defence, politics and the non‑profit sector, he brings a deep understanding of how decisions are shaped, contested and communicated in high‑stakes environments. 

Sandy has advised political and military leaders, worked alongside State and Federal parliamentarians across the political spectrum, and supported clients through election campaigns, policy reform and issues management. His experience enables him to translate complex policy and political dynamics into clear, actionable advice that supports confident decision‑making and protects long‑term organisational objectives. 

Before joining SEC Newgate, Sandy was CEO of the Australian Republic Movement, a principal adviser to State parliamentarians, an Officer in the Australian Defence Force, and head of the Australian arm of international digital agency IMGE, where he delivered data‑driven campaign strategies at scale. This breadth of experience allows him to anticipate stakeholder behaviour, align communications with strategic intent, and design campaigns that influence outcomes rather than simply generate attention. 

He specialises in public affairs, media engagement and modern digital communications, combining strategic judgement with analytical rigour. Sandy holds postgraduate qualifications in communications and business analytics, supporting evidence‑based advice that clients can trust when the stakes are highest.