Federal Government announces new appointments to Climate Change Authority

The Federal Government has appointed Fiona Simson and Richard Bolt as members of the Climate Change Authority (CCA) and re-appointed existing Chief Executive Brad Archer.

Simson has been and is an important voice with a wealth of experience in the agricultural sector, having recently stepped down as Chair of the National Farmers’ Federation after serving as its first female president.

Bolt is Chair of Hydro Tasmania and comes to the CCA with deep experience in national climate and energy policy reform as a former Secretary of a number of Victorian Government departments.

The appointments of Simson and Bolt were effective as of 15th March for a period of 5 years.

The tenure of Brad Archer, a former senior climate change executive in the Australian Public Service, has been extended for a further 12 months. Archer was first appointed to the CCA in 2019 and his reappointment helps maintain continuity for the organisation.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen congratulated the new CCA members noting “The CCA provides independent advice that’s critical for developing Australia’s climate policy, and both Fiona and Richard have a wealth of experience and perspectives to contribute to that.

“We look forward to CCA’s collective input into our annual climate change statement and sectoral plans to help the Government make key policy decisions and set an ambitious and achievable 2035 target that seizes economic opportunity for Australia.”

Background:

Fiona Simson
Fiona Simson joins the Authority with an extensive background in Australian agriculture and rural and regional development. Fiona was elected as the first female President of the National Farmers’ Federation in 2016 and stepped down as its Chair in 2023.

She has substantial experience in advocating for the interests of farmers and rural communities at national and international levels, and in 2023 was elected to the board of the World Farmers’ Organisation, where she represents Australia and New Zealand.

Simson has run her family farm on the Liverpool Plains in NSW since 1997 and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Canberra.

Richard Bolt
Richard Bolt has deep experience in national climate and energy policy reform, and has driven technology innovation in the energy, resources and agriculture sectors throughout his career. During 2006–2018, he held Secretary roles in Victorian Government departments, including the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources; the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development; and the Department of Primary Industries.

Bolt holds a Master of Public Policy Management from Monash University, a Bachelor of Engineering (electrical engineering) from the University of South Australia, and a Diploma of Company Directorship from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He has also worked on Nous Group's Net Zero Australia mapping project and is currently the Chair of Hydro Tasmania.