In the media
How I'm making change from the inside
There is no doubt that there are many ways to try and effect change and in everything I’ve ever done, I’m always exploring new ways to do this.
In this context, in early 2021, I was looking at ways I could make change across the environmental space and I purchased small shareholdings in a number of companies where I felt shareholder activism may be a way to both better understand the entities involved and potentially exert pressure from within to drive in reform.
These companies include Beach Energy, Viva Energy and Transurban and I’ve openly declared these shares as part of the Register of Members Interests.
Viva Energy was chosen as the company owns one of the last two remaining oil refineries in Australia and I was concerned the refinery was not being pushed to produce the highest quality fuel for the Australian market.
Beach Energy was chosen to provide me with insight into how they were proceeding with oil and gas exploration.
Transurban was chosen because I wanted to be across any discussion as it would relate to their role in continuing to expand toll roads. As you would be aware, I have been very public regarding my concerns about the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link and the impact of the project on tree and green space loss, air pollution and traffic congestion through the North Sydney CBD.
In each instance, I have been very vocal in my desire to see change and reform and remains committed to exploring shareholder activism as a way to affect change.
The small amount of dividends I have received in the last 12 months were donated back into renewable energy campaigns or emissions offsetting.
I encourage anyone with the capacity to take such a course of action to also become shareholders in the companies that they wish to see reformed as it is often only from working within that change can be driven.
Other relevant posts
ABC Mornings Post-Budget Panel
ABC Radio Mornings, 26 March 2025
Kylea speaks with host Kathryn Robinson and Fowler's Dai Le MP about the 2025 Federal Budget, describing the government's headline-grabbing tax breaks as a "very tiny, very small green shoot" that indicates that Labor may be prepared to begin to consider larger scale tax reform. When asked about the upcoming election, Kylea reiterates her commitment to the community independent movement: "We need everyday Australians stepping up ... to bring their real-life, lived experience into Parliament House, because it's only when you have that experience that you understand the impact that some of these reforms will have."
Fairy Bread: A Bread & Butter Budget Sprinkled with Sugar Hits
Media Statement, 26 March 2025
The 2025 Federal budget is a classic bread and butter budget that focuses on the bare basics but lacks ambition. This time however, it’s more like fairy bread in that it’s sprinkled with a few sugar hits that offer temporary relief for some but no long term, lasting benefits.
The Coalition’s attack on the climate authority is a cynical attempt to put ideology over facts – it must be called out
The Guardian, 27 February 2025
On the Coalition's attack on the Climate Change Authority, Kylea writes: "As my grandmother used to say: we are all entitled to our own opinions. But we are not entitled to our own facts."
When does bipartisanship happen? When mutual self-interest is served
The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 February 2025
Economics editor Ross Gittins has described a bipartisan deal on electoral reform as “collusion”, saying the major parties have passed reforms that “advance their interests at the expense of the voters.” He says a minority government would allow independents to push for “braver policies in return for keeping the minority government in power. Not such a bad arrangement.”
‘Swimming in debt’: Sydney’s $14 billion student loan burden
The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 February 2025
New data shows that North Sydney is region with the 4th highest number of students with HELP debt (44,030).
The 12 teal battlegrounds to watch out for this election
Australian Financial Review, 26 February 2025
After the wave of independents that swept the 2022 election, here are the 35 community-backed independents to watch out for as we head towards the polls.
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Kylea's newsletter hits the inboxes of people right across our electorate of North Sydney. Stay up to date with Kylea's plans and progress as she tells us about her week speaking with people in our community. We'll also highlight the latest community events and initiatives to get involved with.