In 2011, I was appointed by the Australian government as one of six federal Climate Commissioners, tasked with communicating climate change science and its implications to the Australian public. After more than two very active and successful years in this role, a change of government saw the Climate Commission abolished. Knowing that our work as Commissioners was far from complete, we collectively gambled that the Australian public would support us. So we set up the Climate Council, and made a public appeal for funds. One week later, we had raised AUS$1.2 million and we were off! Six years on, we are the premier climate change communication organisation in Australia. We have published over 110 reports (of which I have authored or co-authored >30), produced nearly 90 videos, have a substantial social media following with a potential reach of nearly four million people per month, have 28 staff and 16,000 engaged donors, and have been mentioned in the media ~24,000 times. My individual contribution has been recognised with awards such as the 2014 Eureka Prize for Communicating Australian Science, the 2019 Australian Museum Research Institute Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2019 Ngara Institute Activist of the Year (awarded jointly with fellow Councillor Will Steffen). I believe that the Council’s work has contributed to greatly increased awareness and concern about climate change, as well as enhanced support for clean, green energy options. Several recent surveys have shown this concern in the Australian community is now at an all-time high.

I have learnt many lessons on leadership in climate change communication - some of them difficult ones. I've learnt that more information does not necessarily lead to more understanding, and more understanding does not necessarily lead to more action. Instead, science communicators must think deeply about the framing of messages that resonate with the everyday lives of the people we are trying to reach. We must deliver simple messages with local interest, be honest about risks, but offer hope for the future. Striking this balance is hard, and differs for every audience. We must be brave in the face of opposition that at times is extremely strident and aggressive. We must acknowledge that advocacy is not a dirty word. We must never shy away from promoting good, evidence-based policy. At times, all these things have meant not just getting out of the ivory tower, but leaping from its battlements! Having said that, I have no regrets about becoming a "public scientist/academic". I know I have had a far more enriched, purpose-driven and satisfying career by choosing this path than I would have had with a more traditional academic trajectory.

Leadership is about being a change agent. It's about having good ideas, then bringing people along to implement them. When faced with uncertainty as to who in power should make decisions, I have found that simply assuming I could do it has hardly ever backfired. I have faith that good ideas, presented logically and energetically pursued, will triumph in the end.

My goal is to continue to be an agent for political, social and environmental change in Australia and beyond, to ensure my children and my future grandchildren's future is not put at risk from dangerous interference in the Earth system. The road ahead is a very tough one, but at the end of my life, I want to be able to look my future generations in the eye and say "I really tried". I want to continue to mentor younger people, whether in public advocacy or scientific research, to be bold, brave, pursue their dreams and develop their talents to achieve great things. I also want to continue to be a role model for young women in academia generally, and science in particular, to show them that gender does not have to be a barrier to success.

At a personal level I would like to develop a "second career" in popular writing to bring science and other topics I am passionate about, to new audiences. I want to continue to break down the barriers around academic institutions, making them more porous to the community, and promote the principle that experts of all persuasions should be part of decision-making processes that affect people's lives.