Talking energy with business, government and the public

From lab bench to energy infrastructure, policy and beyond there can often be complex stories to be told. How do you translate your work to be clear and simple, while ensuring it stays accurate?

Join us for a panel discussion with guests including: 

• Peter Cowling, a passionate believer in renewables particularly wind energy. Currently with Mint Renewables, a business delivering renewable energy projects.
• John Thwaites, former Deputy Premier responsible for reforms in social policy, health, environment and water. Currently Chair of Climateworks Centre.
• And Annika Smethurst, state political editor for The Age.
  

The forum will be moderated by Tanya Ha, Engagement Director of science communication agency Science in Public, www.scienceinpublic.com.au.

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John Thwaites AM
Chair of Climateworks & Monash Sustainable Development Institute

John has a strong interest in energy, planning and the environment. He currently chairs the Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group to the Australian Government and the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership. He sits on a number of boards including Melbourne Water, Biodiversity Council, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and Fair Trade Australia & New Zealand.

As Deputy Premier of Victoria from 1999 to 2007, John held various portfolios including Health, Planning, Environment, Water and was Victoria’s first Minister for Climate Change. In these portfolios he was responsible for major reforms in social policy, health, environment and water.

Annika Smethurst
State Political Editor, The Age

Annika is an award-winning reporter with 10 years’ experience in the newspapers industry. She is skilled in breaking news, storytelling, online, TV and radio journalism.

She has been state and federal politics reporter at The Herald Sun, national political reporter for News Corp, a journalist with the ABC and The Bendigo Weekly.

Annika has a BA (Hons) in journalism from Monash University.

Peter Cowling
Head of Country, Mint Renewables

Peter has spent more than 20 years in leadership roles in the Australian renewable energy industry. Along the way he has played a key role in a large proportion of the utility scale renewable generators ever built in Australia.

He has also been actively involved in the policy space for much of that time, and is currently the Chair of the peak industry body, the Clean Energy Council.

Peter brings to his roles a deep commitment to the energy transition.

Tanya Ha
Engagement Director, Science in Public

Tanya is an award-winning environmental campaigner, television presenter, author, science journalist, speaker and sustainable living advocate.

Her work has included reporting for ABC TV’s science show Catalyst and writing the eco-guide book Greeniology and Green Stuff for Kids.

She is a director of Diversity Council Australia and Westernport Water, and Vice President of Science & Technology Australia, which represents 80,000 Australian scientists and technologists.