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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.