Kimberley Swords has built an impressive track record of innovation in large-scale new approaches to conservation and sustainability in Australia, and globally. In 2010, Kimberley was appointed Deputy Secretary in the Australian Government, leading environmental protection and heritage conservation. She negotiated international acceptance of Queensland’s and Australia’s work to protect the Great Barrier Reef, conceptualising the 2015 Long Term Sustainability Plan. 

Since 2000, Kimberley has advised CEOs, government ministers, private sector leaders and others seeking to achieve system change across a range of sectors including transport, agriculture, environment and energy.

Her work has contributed to a more strategic environmental policy framework in Australia, promoting better conservation outcomes and more transparent and efficient environmental approvals. She currently serves on the Working Group of the International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits, as a Board member of CS Energy, Chair of Southern Queensland Landscapes, and as Program Director for the UQ-Oxford Transformative Project Leadership Program. 

Kimberley Swords brings an extraordinary track record of innovation in establishing large-scale new approaches to conservation and sustainability for governments. In 2010, she was the youngest Deputy Secretary in the Australian Government. Kimberley is curious, passionate about the development of leaders and constantly focused on building the capability of her peers. She has advised CEOs, Government Ministers, private sector leaders and people seeking to achieve system change across a range of sectors including transport, major projects, statutory planning, agriculture, energy, environment, procurement and ICT. She negotiated international acceptance of Queensland’s and Australia’s work to protect the Great Barrier Reef, including the 2015 Long Term Sustainability Plan, with all levels of government, and all of Queensland’s industries (ports, urban, agriculture, mining, gas, conservation, science, tourism, fishing) Kimberley’s' work has contributed to a more robust and effective environmental policy framework in Australia, promoting better conservation outcomes and greater accountability in environmental decision-making.