Thursday 9 September 2025 — Greenpeace Australia Pacific has experts available for comment on a series of political issues this week, covering climate, nature laws and Pacific relations.
September will be a defining and critical month in shaping Australia’s climate and energy future. While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is at the Pacific Islands Forum this week, Environment Minister Murray Watt is poised to hand down a decision on Woodside’s controversial North West Shelf project extension. It comes as the government prepares to release its 2035 climate plan under the Paris Agreement and is bidding with Pacific nations to co-host the COP31 climate conference.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific has spokespeople available across Australia and the Pacific who can offer expert insights, analysis and comments.
Climate and North West Shelf:
David Ritter, CEO at Greenpeace Australia Pacific – Sydney
David can discuss the climate and environmental significance of the impending decision on Woodside’s North West Shelf, as well as the clear statutory pathway for the Federal Environment Minister to reject Woodside’s dangerous plans to drill for gas at Scott Reef. David can also discuss the EPBC Act and Greenpeace’s tests of success for the final legislation.
Dr Simon Bradshaw, COP31 Lead and climate expert at Greenpeace Australia Pacific – Sydney
Simon can offer expert commentary on climate science, impacts and action, including: Australia’s climate targets and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement, Australia’s climate policies and international climate obligations, the COP31 bid, the National Climate Risk Assessment and National Adaptation Plan, and impacts of climate change on Australian communities.
Joe Rafalowicz, Head of Climate and Energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific – Melbourne
Joe can discuss Australia’s climate and energy position, and offer commentary on NDCs, Greenpeace’s ask of the Australian government for a fast, fair phase out of fossil fuels, Australia’s climate targets, our renewables transition and general climate and energy commentary.
Geoff Bice, WA Lead at Greenpeace Australia Pacific – Perth
Geoff can discuss the upcoming decisions on the North West Shelf and Browse projects, their impacts on the nearby Scott Reef, and offer local expert commentary on Western Australia’s unique climate and renewables position.
Gemma Plesman, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific – Coffs Harbour
Gemma can discuss the upcoming decisions on the North West Shelf and Browse projects and their potential impacts on the nearby Scott Reef. Gemma can also speak about Australia’s deforestation crisis.
Pacific Islands Forum:
Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific – Honiara
Shiva can discuss key Forum negotiations and updates related to climate policy and the environment, including Australia's obligations to the Pacific, the global push for a moratorium on deep sea mining, the ICJAO outcome and the co-hosted bid for COP31 with the Pacific and Australia.
Rae Bainteiti, Pacific Political Coordinator at Greenpeace Australia Pacific – Honiara
Rae can speak on deep sea mining in the region, outcomes from the recent ISA in Jamaica, the Pacific political landscape and on deep sea mining discussions and negotiations at the Pacific Islands Forum.
Nature Laws:
Glenn Walker, Head of Nature at Greenpeace Australia Pacific – Sydney
Glenn can offer expert commentary and analysis on Australia’s EPBC (nature law), the Albanese government’s obligation to ensure EPBC reforms are robust and fit-for-purpose, and Australia’s deforestation crisis.
—ENDS—
Headshots can be found here
Contact details:
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Kimberley Bernard on +61407 581 404 or [email protected]
