Page Text: AUSPIC
Why Integrity?
We strongly believe a growing lack of accountability and integrity has damaged our democratic institutions and needs to be urgently addressed.
Without a suite of integrity measures — political donation reform, shutting down the revolving door between politicians and lobbyists, and an effective national anti-corruption commission — our democracy will continue to be undermined by vested interests and voter apathy.
Increasing government accountability, reducing the influence of vested interests and greater elector engagement is the key to unlocking progress in a wide range of areas, not just climate change.
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What we do
This election, we see the community independents movement as the most strategic and impactful avenue for achieving progress in these areas.
Around the country, over 30 grassroots community groups have formed with the objective of supporting pro-climate, pro-integrity and pro-gender equality independents.
We are aiming to raise at least $15-20 million to help level the playing field for 10-12 high quality, values-aligned candidates.
Our support is being provided through the following activities:
1. Strategic communications to support community independents and position them as an effective, credible and desirable solution to breaking the deadlock in Australian politics.
2. Analytics + engagement to identify the best values-aligned campaigns in the most strategic electorates, and support them with the data and research they need to run effective and efficient campaigns.
3. Capacity building + tactical support to ensure community groups and their candidates have the tools, strategies, and expertise needed to win.
4. Direct funding to candidates with the best chances of success or highest strategic impact.
With your help, we can make a meaningful contribution to delivering a federal parliament where a clear majority of elected representatives are ambitious on both climate action and restoring integrity to politics.
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Who we are
We draw on the insights and wisdom of a highly experienced team of professionals who contribute deep expertise and complementary skills.
Our team
Simon Holmes à Court
Convenor
Simon is a senior advisor to the Climate and Energy College at Melbourne University. Simon is also a cleantech investor, climate philanthropist and a director of the Smart Energy Council and the Australian Environmental Grant-makers Network.
Susie Bayes
Head of Community
Susie is a purpose-driven partnership specialist focussed on systemic change. She was formerly Guardian Australia’s Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, funding investigative journalism for impact. She served on the board of the Banksia Foundation for sustainability from 2017-22 and is a purpose-driven mentor.
Byron Fay
Executive Director
Byron is a climate strategist, former Paris Agreement negotiator and adviser to the Independent Senator Tim Storer. Byron worked for a Biden-aligned Political Action Committee during the 2020 US presidential election, holds a Masters of Public Policy from the University of Oxford, and is a proud descendant of the Dharug nation.
Claire Snyder
Head of Communications & Analytics
Claire is a communications expert focused on climate communications and political advocacy. She has worked with the Environmental Defenders Office, 350.org.au, Oxfam International, Greenpeace, Change.org and many other organisations on campaign strategies. She previously helped to start the Climate Council and served on the boards of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and the Human Rights Film Festival.
Jim Middleton
Media Advisor
Jim Middleton is one of Australia’s most recognisable and respected national press gallery veterans. He is deeply established in the political landscape after a 45 year career as senior political journalist, foreign correspondent and TV news presenter.
Our Advisory Council
Anna Josephson
Advisory Council
Anna is a tech entrepreneur and climate philanthropist. Anna was on the Advisory Committee and in charge of fundraising for independent MP Zali Steggall in the 2019 federal election and is the co-founder of Warringah Independent (campaign entity supporting Zali Steggall).
John Hewson AM
Advisory Council
John was the Liberal Member for Wentworth 1987–1995, leader of the Liberal Party 1990–1994, followed by successful academic and corporate career.
Barry Jones AC
Advisory Council
Barry was Labor Member for Lalor 1977–1998, former Minister for Science and National President of the Labor Party. Author, academic, and advocate for federal climate action since 1984.
Meg Lees AO
Advisory Council
Meg was a Senator for SA from 1990 to 2005, including leader of the Australian Democrats from 1997 to 2001. She has also been a teacher, CEO and Paralegal. Meg has a lifelong commitment to a range of environmental issues and organisations.
Tony Windsor
Advisory Council
Tony was the independent member for the federal seat of New England from 2001 to 2013. Prior to that, he was the independent member for the seat of Tamworth in the NSW Legislative Assembly. Tony is a farmer and an economist.
Dr Kerryn Phelps AM
Advisory Council
Kerryn was the independent member for the federal seat of Wentworth from 2018-19. She was Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney in 2016-2017. Kerryn has an extensive background in medicine and public health. She was the first woman to be elected president of the Australian Medical Association (2000-2003), and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2011 for her service to medicine.
Rob Oakeshott
Advisory Council
Rob was the Independent MP for Lyne in the Australian Parliament from 2008-2013. Prior to this, he was NSW State MP for Port Macquarie from 1995-2008. He published a book on his experience: The Independent Member for Lyne. Rob now teaches environmental and business law and is studying medicine.
Kiera Peacock
Advisory Council
Kiera is a Partner at Marque Lawyers with expertise in electoral and climate law. She ran the Court of Disputed Returns challenge following the 2019 federal election that clarified the law on misleading electoral advertising. Kiera provides legal services to Climate 200.
Damien Hodgkinson
Advisory Council, Director
Damien is the Principal at Olvera Advisors and specialist in financial management, budgeting and AEC reporting for federal electoral campaigns. Damien provides accounting services to Climate 200.
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