Gemma Tognini - The Centre for Independent Studies

Gemma Tognini is an influential social and political commentator, columnist, writer, broadcaster and award-winning business owner.

The unique road on which she has walked over a 30-year career makes her a highly relevant and engaging speaker for a range of audiences. Gemma is also a seasoned MC and has appeared on countless panels as both a moderator and presenter at a very senior level.

Gemma writes a leading opinion column each Saturday in the Weekend Australian, which is read by an average 4 million people across print and digital platforms each month. She has a unique ability to tap into the conversations taking place around boardrooms and breakfast tables all around Australia, with her writing making her one of the paper’s most popular columnists.

Day to day, Gemma is the founder and executive director of GT Communications, a boutique corporate affairs, and consumer PR firm with offices in Sydney and Perth, that specialises in building, growing and protecting the reputations of its client partners. The company recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, and partners with clients here, nationally and around the world.

Gemma and her team advise CEOS, boards and companies in a range of sectors. From banks to breweries, privately owned to listed entities, government and not for profit organisations, Gemma leads a team that is one of the most sought-after in their field.

As a writer, Gemma has become known for sharp, insightful and fearless commentary on a wide range of issues affecting everyday Australians. Be it politics and policy, social issues or topics others are not brave enough to tackle, Gemma brings a sharp view, a deft touch and a unique insight to the issues she writes about. Her columns drive debates and influence conversations. She is a sought-after contributor to a range of programs on Sky News Channel and a contributing broadcaster on radio stations across the country.

Gemma is a previous winner (2014) and finalist (2017) in the prestigious Telstra Business Awards. She has served as a non-executive director of Surf Life Saving WA, The Salvation Army (WA) and the Starlight Childrens’ Foundation.