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
Australia’s mental health system 30 years outdated says MP
Sky News, 19 April 2024
Kylea says Australia’s mental health system is based on ideas and approaches established 30 years ago, as she calls on the government to do more. “I can’t help but feel, like many in our country at the moment – that [the people behind recent knife attacks] fell through the cracks, and the cracks are getting wider, and wider."
‘Simpler and fairer’: Albanese flags HECS changes in budget relief
Sydney Morning Herald, 18 April 2024
The Albanese government is expected to change the rate and timing of HECS indexation in the federal budget, following pressure from Kylea and others on the crossbench to consider wiping student debts and move the date of indexation.
Change of national enviro law put off, as Dutton warns of 'death of mining'
Canberra Times, 16 April 2024
The Albanese government's long-awaited response to the Samuel Review has been criticised from two sides, with Peter Dutton saying it will be the "death of mining" while others, including Kylea, are urging Labor to go further and faster to protect nature.
Few avenues for appeal as polluting projects go ahead
The West Australian, 16 April 2024
Merits review rights could give communities a chance to challenge large, destructive projects like Whitehaven Coal's Vickery Extension Project, but currently only apply to an extremely limited number of situations under federal environmental law. This is an opportunity for the federal government to do better, Kylea says.
New Environmental Protection Agency ineffective without stronger laws
SBS News, 16 April 2024
The Federal Government has announced plans to establish Australia's first independent Environmental Protection Agency, but "without national environmental protection laws in place, having an EPA is the equivalent of having a chassis of a car without the engine," Kylea says. "It might look good, but it's not going to get us anywhere."
New high level push to give communities the right to challenge big, environmentally destructive projects
Media release, 16 April 2024
Enshrining communities’ right to challenge the merits of large, environmentally destructive projects in law would drastically improve integrity in decision making, restore the public’s faith in a broken system, and lead to better outcomes for nature, according to a groundbreaking new expert report.
Every Friday
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.