Proximity is now SPA Australia LEARN MORE 
CANBERRA – Wednesday, 24 June 2026: SPA Australia (Systems Planning & Analysis, Australia), a leading provider of integrated legal, commercial, consulting and analytics services to government, has announced the promotion of Elise Poiner to National Lead – Commercial.
Poiner brings more than 20 years’ experience across legal, commercial, procurement and governance functions, including more than ten years in senior public sector roles. She has led major transformation initiatives, strategic procurement programs and high-performing commercial and compliance functions across government and financial services.
Since joining SPA Australia (then Proximity) in 2024 as an Expert Advisor, Poiner has advised government clients on commercial strategy, governance, and procurement for major government programs. Previously, she has served as a General Counsel at Services Australia and led the legal and compliance function at Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation.
Her experience spans commercial strategy, procurement reform, governance, ICT vendor management and contract negotiation, with a strong focus on improving organisational capability and supporting the delivery of critical government services.
Poiner has been acting in the role since September last year and has led the Commercial practice across a broad portfolio of government engagements, supporting significant programs of work across clients including the Department of Defence, Australian Taxation Office, Services Australia, Digital Transformation Agency, Australian Securities and Investments Commission and more. During this time, she has strengthened the practice’s capability, deepened client relationships and helped position the team for continued growth, while fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
SPA Australia Managing Director Zoe Lynam said Poiner’s appointment reflected her deep commercial expertise, leadership capability and commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for government clients.
“Elise brings a deep understanding of the commercial and governance challenges facing government agencies today, along with the practical experience needed to help clients deliver complex programs with confidence,” Lynam said.
“She has a proven ability to build high-performing teams, strengthen client partnerships and deliver practical solutions to complex challenges, making her ideally placed to lead the next phase of growth for our Commercial practice.
“As a government-focused advisory firm, we have built our business around the unique needs of the public sector. Elise’s appointment further strengthens our ability to provide senior-led advice that helps agencies deliver improved outcomes.”
In her new role, Poiner will lead SPA Australia’s Commercial practice, leading a team of 30 to support government agencies with procurement, contract management, business cases, cost modelling, negotiation support and probity.
The practice forms part of SPA Australia’s integrated advisory offering, providing clients with access to multidisciplinary expertise tailored specifically to government. The senior-led model sees Principal, Expert and Special Advisors design and deliver work end-to-end, bringing practical experience gained from leadership roles across government and industry.
Poiner said she is excited to lead the practice at a time when government agencies are balancing increasing complexity, fiscal pressures and evolving service delivery expectations.
“I’m excited to work alongside our talented team, who are committed to solving problems and delivering tailored, high-quality services to meet our clients’ unique challenges. We have a strong foundation that combines market leading expertise and real-world experience, that means we can deliver meaningful outcomes for government.”
“Our Commercial solution sits alongside SPA Australia’s multidisciplinary capability to deliver integrated, end-to-end advice and services. This is backed by our global team and specialist analytics capability. We are uniquely qualified to support clients in making confident, informed commercial decisions.”
“My priority is ensuring we are well placed to help clients navigate complex and evolving environments, as well as advances in technology, with confidence. We’ll continue to deliver practical advice that drives strong outcomes for Australians and strengthens trust in government.”
In 2025, SPA Australia joined forces with Proximity, a leading provider of integrated legal, commercial and consulting services to government. Through its combination of public sector expertise, analytical insights and evidence-based methodologies, the business helps clients tackle complex challenges and make better decisions.
SPA Australia has worked with all major Commonwealth agencies and many state government clients, including the Department of Defence, Department of Home Affairs, Australian Taxation Office, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Services Australia and the Department of Social Services, and several Victorian and ACT Government departments.
Poiner commenced in the role this month and is based in Canberra.
ENDS
About SPA Australia (Systems Planning & Analysis, Australia)
SPA Australia (Systems Planning & Analysis, Australia) is a leading provider of integrated legal, commercial, consulting and analytics services to government.
Our multidisciplinary approach, trusted advice and leading-edge technology and analysis help clients deliver measurable outcomes.
In 2025, SPA Australia acquired Proximity, a highly regarded professional services firm specialising in government legal, consulting, and commercial advisory services.
Our parent company, SPA, has more than 3,000 employees in 30 locations within the US, UK and Australia. In Australia, more than 130 employees are based across Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, where our local teams deliver sovereign capability backed by global expertise.
