John Thwaites

John Thwaites is a prominent figure in sustainable development and climate change initiatives. He is a Professorial Fellow at Monash University and holds several key positions:

1. Chair of the Monash Sustainable Development Institute
2. Chair of ClimateWorks Australia
3. Chair of the Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group for the Australian Government
4. Co-Chair of the Leadership Council of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)123

Thwaites has an extensive background in politics and public service. He served as Deputy Premier of Victoria from 1999 to 2007, during which time he held various ministerial portfolios including Health, Planning, Environment, and Water. Notably, he was Victoria's first Minister for Climate Change.34

In recognition of his contributions, Thwaites was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2021 "for significant service to the environment, and to the people and Parliament of Victoria".4 He has also received several awards for his work in sustainability and planning.24

Thwaites holds degrees in Law (Honours) and Science from Monash University and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.24