About Climate 200

For decades, climate action in Australia has been stalled by the fossil fuel lobby and a political system that put major party interests ahead of the people.

Then something remarkable happened.

At kitchen tables across the country, communities began to organise. The rise of the community independent movement proved there was a better way of doing politics.

Climate 200 was founded to support this movement. We saw that independent, community-backed candidates could drive real change, but the system was rigged in favour of the major parties.

Our mission is to level the playing field and help elect leaders ready to act on climate, integrity, and gender equality.

Since 2019, we’ve helped 12 pro-climate independents get elected across Australia. They're holding major parties to account — and delivering real results for their communities and our climate.

Climate 200 is a community crowd-funded initiative that supports political candidates committed to:

a science-based response to the climate crisis;
restoring integrity to politics; and
advancing respect and safety for women.

Climate 200 was established in the lead up to the 2019 federal election by a group of concerned Australians who realised we cannot stand on the sidelines and let climate science denial and vested interests delay meaningful action on climate change.

Our vision is for every government in Australia to adopt a science-based response to the climate crisis.

Climate 200 is not a party. It does not start campaigns, select candidates, speak for candidates, dictate policies, or have members. We simply give strong community campaigns a leg up with funding and support.

If you run a community-backed campaign whose values align with those of our donors then we’d love to hear from you.

Photo by

Lisa Maree Williams

Photo by

James Wiltshire

Photo by

the AAP

What we do

‍1. Strategic communications to support community independents and position them as an effective, credible and desirable solution to breaking the deadlock in Australian politics.

‍2. Analytics to identify the best values-aligned campaigns in the most strategic electorates, and support them with the data and research they need to run effective and efficient campaigns.

‍3. Campaign engagement to support community groups and their candidates have the tools, strategies, and expertise needed to win.

‍4. Direct funding to candidates with the best chances of success or highest strategic impact.

How we operate

Climate 200’s constitution makes clear that it is a not-for-profit proprietary limited company.

100% of the funds we raise through this website goes directly towards supporting local campaigns and candidates

Climate 200’s expenditure is disclosed publicly in line with federal and state electoral laws, and subject to an annual independent audit.

The Climate 200 team

We draw on the insights and wisdom of a highly experienced team of professionals who contribute deep expertise and complementary skills.

Simon Holmes à Court

Convenor

Simon is an energy analyst and climate philanthropist. He is a director at the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network and an advisor to the Smart Energy Council.

Susie Bayes

Head of Community

Susie is a purpose-driven partnership specialist focussed on systemic change. She was formerly Guardian Australia’s Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, funding investigative journalism for impact. She served on the board of the Banksia Foundation for sustainability from 2017-22 and is a purpose-driven mentor.

Byron Fay

Executive Director

Byron is a climate strategist, former Paris Agreement negotiator and adviser to the Independent Senator Tim Storer. Byron worked for a Biden-aligned Political Action Committee during the 2020 US presidential election, holds a Masters of Public Policy from the University of Oxford, and is a proud descendant of the Dharug nation.

Our Advisory Council

Anna Josephson

Advisory Council

Anna is a tech entrepreneur and climate philanthropist. Anna was on the Advisory Committee and in charge of fundraising for independent MP Zali Steggall in the 2019 federal election and is the co-founder of Warringah Independent (campaign entity supporting Zali Steggall).

John Hewson AM

Advisory Council

John was the Liberal Member for Wentworth 1987–1995, leader of the Liberal Party 1990–1994, followed by successful academic and corporate career.

Barry Jones AC

Advisory Council

Barry was Labor Member for Lalor 1977–1998, former Minister for Science and National President of the Labor Party. Author, academic, and advocate for federal climate action since 1984.

Meg Lees AO

Advisory Council

Meg was a Senator for SA from 1990 to 2005, including leader of the Australian Democrats from 1997 to 2001. She has also been a teacher, CEO and Paralegal. Meg has a lifelong commitment to a range of environmental issues and organisations.

Tony Windsor

Advisory Council

Tony was the independent member for the federal seat of New England from 2001 to 2013. Prior to that, he was the independent member for the seat of Tamworth in the NSW Legislative Assembly. Tony is a farmer and an economist.

Rob Oakeshott

Advisory Council

Rob was the Independent MP for Lyne in the Australian Parliament from 2008-2013. Prior to this, he was NSW State MP for Port Macquarie from 1995-2008. He published a book on his experience: The Independent Member for Lyne. Rob now teaches environmental and business law and is studying medicine.