Leigh Obradovic Email & Phone Number

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Leading Toll Group's strategic engagement with key external stakeholders across government and industry. The role covers key markets across the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia. Toll is one of the leading logistics companies across the Asia-Pacific, supporting more than 20,000 customers worldwide with 500 sites in 27 markets - and a freight forwarding network spanning 150 markets.

Chair of industry-wide committee with a focus on infrastructure, investment and policies that impact the logistics sector and the supply chain across Australia.

Canberra, Australia

Managed the automotive industry’s policy engagement with government, political representatives and the media during a sensitive period for multinational corporations in Australia.Held responsibility for the automotive industry’s public policy strategy, including engaging with senior policy makers and major media outlets and managing the industry’s public reputation at a time of major disruption.Led policy development for the industry as it adjusts from undertaking domestic manufacturing to being an exclusively imported sector. A key focus of this engagement centred on environmental technologies and the reduction of emissions across Australia's transport industry. This represents the interests of over 40 companies who account for over 99 per cent of the Australian market.Advocated the automotive industry’s role in Australia as a lead developer of emerging mobility technology, with a particular focus on electrified, connected and autonomous vehicles.Managed media engagement for the largest mandatory automotive safety product recall in Australian history. This included sensitive stakeholder engagement with automotive manufacturers, creative agencies and the general public.

Canberra, Australia

Advised the Minister on trade and investment issues, with a particular focus on simplifying the facilitation of trade across borders. This included engaging in free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, such as the Peru-Australia FTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement across the Asia-Pacific.Directly engaged industry stakeholders on bilateral and regional trade issues. This included issues that arise in trade negotiations, such as market access and non-tariff barriers, as well as broader issues impacted by trade and economic integration such as taxation.Coordinated portfolio budget and policy development with central government agencies and Ministers, including the offices of the Prime Minister, Treasurer and Finance Minister. Advised the Minister on trade and investment policy with key emerging markets including India and the Middle East, as well as engagement with multilateral organisations such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Group of 20 (G20) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Worked with the Minister, colleagues and officials across the Australian Government to develop strategies for Australian manufacturers to access supply chains across the Asia-Pacific region and globally.

Melbourne, Australia

Trusted adviser to Australian and multi-national clients across a range of goods and services industries including renewable energy, financial services, logistics, food and beverages, automotive and heavy manufacturing. Assistance for clients on detailed and technical policy reform projects in Australia, New Zealand, China/Hong Kong, ASEAN, India, Pakistan and across Africa and Latin America. Presented to conferences on international tax and trade issues, including free trade agreements (FTAs), World Trade Organization (WTO) issues and international best practice in tax and regulatory policyLed client engagements engaging with international trade negotiators on bilateral and regional trade negotiations. This included a key focus on emerging environmental and sustainability factors.Adviser to KPMG Australia’s international business practices, including the China Business Practice, ASEAN Business Practice and India Business Practice.

Melbourne, Australia

Working closely with the KPMG economic modelling team to develop evidence-based policy positions, which form the basis of strategic government engagement campaigns.Built key stakeholder relationships in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific, in partnership with key clients.Worked in partnership with KPMG in-country teams across the Asia-Pacific, including in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore on tax, regulatory policy, supply chain and investment issues.Extensive engagement with government and industry officials from across the Asia-Pacific.

Melbourne, Australia

Developed indirect taxation strategies for clients, focussing in particular on customs, excise and sales tax challenges in Australia and across the Asia-Pacific.Assisted clients to engage with government at a strategic (parliamentary policy maker) level and at a tactical (departmental and agency official) level.Particular industry focus on the food and beverage sector, automotive industry, travel and tourism and agriculture.

Member of the Steering Committee for the Asia-Pacific Tax Forum (APTF) from 2010 to 2014, enabling key companies and industry associations to engage with government policy makers on taxation, regulation and trade issues.Extensive engagement with government and industry officials around the world, engaging as a thought-leader in areas such as tax, trade and investment policy. Deep experience in working with clients and partners in key markets such as China, India and ASEAN, involving a wide range of cultures and business practices.Worked with leading global corporate members of the APTF to work with government partners on cross-border policy reform. Innovation and new supply chain technologies underpinned the focus of several projects.Extensive experience leading and presenting to APTF events and other conferences around Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, including to government in China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Delivered of post-graduate courses in excise tax policy to post-graduate students located across the world. Courses are taught on-line, with regular interaction with students including formal essay and report writingAttended and presented to international tax conferences, held across the Asia-Pacific region

Melbourne, Australia

Undertook several roles as a Parliamentary staffer to three separate Members of Parliament (MPs). Worked with colleagues advising senior cabinet ministers to develop and implement legislative and regulatory reform through the ParliamentAnalysed policy announcements, identify potential problems and public reaction and provide strategic advice to the Minister and other offices across governmentProvided constructive and informed advice and assist in developing internal and external communications strategiesProvided assistance to Members of Parliament on specific portfolio matters, in particular direct assistance during parliamentary sittings in Canberra.

Executive Program, Disruptive Strategy

Program focussed on strategies to manage the impact, and realise opportunities, arising from disruption to industries and established.

Executive Leadership Development Program

Intensive residential program for Toll Group leaders from around the world. Key focus on leadership through challenging projects.

Harvard Leadership Program

Selected into the 2021 Toll Group Leadership Team cohort around the world undertaking the executive leadership program.

Asialink Leaders' Program

Master Of International Revenue Administration, International Business, Trade, And Tax Law

Bachelor Of Commerce (B.Com.), Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.) (Hons.)