The Ethics Centre is a not-for-profit organisation developing and delivering innovative programs, services and experiences, designed to bring ethics to the centre of personal and professional life.
Across all our work, the same goals drive what we do: to bring people together, create space for open and honest conversations, and build the skills and capacity of people to live and act according to their values.
We remain committed to injecting a pause into the centre of public life and allowing people to stop, connect with others and explore the ethical dimension of our everyday lives.
JOIN THE CIRCLE

WHAT WE DO

Articles, videos, research and thought leadership papers that illuminate ethics and help you tackle issues that matter.

Curated conversations, debates and workshops that explore ethics and the most important challenges we face, together.

Consulting and leadership programs to help staff and organisations navigate complex ethical terrains.

A free, independent helpline, Ethi-call provides guidance and support to anyone facing a difficult ethical dilemma or decision.

A corporate community of businesses who are committed to raising the standard of business practice in Australia.

Volunteer led program of discussion-based ethics classes to build critical thinking skills in Primary School students.

The BFSO fosters ethical practice through valuable conversations, events, and exemplary individual commitment.

The Festival of Dangerous Ideas steps across the threshold to explore issues at the boundary of collective consciousness.

WHAT IS ETHICS?

ETHICS IS ABOUTRELATIONSHIPS

Us and the lives we choose to live.
Us in relationships with each other.
Us in the context of the world we all live in.

KNOW YOUR WORLD.KNOW YOUR SELF.

Ethics extends a great invitation.
To know our world, each other and ourselves.
An unexamined life is not worth living.

NAVIGATECOMPLEXITY

Our human experience can be complicated.
Ethics can guide us through complex terrain.
Ethics supports good and right choices.

WHAT IS ETHICS?

IT'S ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS

Us and the lives we chose to live.
Us in relationships with each other.
Us in the context of the world.

KNOW YOUR WORLD,KNOW YOUR SELF

The unexamined life is not worth living.
Engaging with the ethical dimension of life.
That’s what makes us human.

NAVIGATE COMPLEXITY

Life is complicated.
Ethics helps guide through complex terrain.
Supporting choices that are good and right.

EXPLORE FURTHER

LIVING OUR ETHICS

Our Purpose

To bring ethics to the centre of everyday life.

Our Vision

A world in which privilege has been tempered by fairness; in which power has been checked by conscience; in which good and right prevail – for the benefit of all.

Our Foundation

Socrates Quote

Our Work

We are innovators, thought leaders and conveners of people and ideas. We translate theory into practice. We diagnose, prevent and cure the sources of ethical failure. We make and apply tools for good decision-making. We educate, engage and inform for a better world.

Our Values & Principles

01

BE FOR HUMANITY

People matter most. Every person has intrinsic dignity and deserves respect. We’ll reject ideas or views that aim to deny the humanity of others.

02

KNOW YOUR WORLD. KNOW YOUR SELF

Socrates believed that the unexamined life is not worth living. Questioning who we are, being conscious of what we think and do and being alive to what’s good and right is what makes us ethical beings.

03

LISTEN

Listening is the foundation for mutual respect and understanding. Being open to others makes us worthy to respond. We provide opportunities for all voices to be heard – including the silenced or ignored.

04

DEMAND AND OFFER THE BEST REASONS

There is plenty of bad reasoning in the world: we won’t contribute to it. We create opportunities for people to explore diverse and often challenging ideas to support deeper thinking, good choices and better outcomes.

05

IMAGINE WITH INTENT

Finding solutions to ethical challenges requires imagination. We’ll honour the philosophical traditions that inform our work with a commitment to apply them to our increasingly complex world. We’ll never stop creating better solutions, better futures and better ways to be in the world.

06

BE COURAGEOUS

Ethics demands courage. We won’t shy away from hard truths, uncomfortable topics or compromise our independence. We won’t trade doing what’s right for what’s easy – or profitable – even if it pits us against public opinion or the powerful.

07

WALK YOUR TALK

Living ethically is not about telling people what to think and do: it’s about living with integrity. Be who you say you are.

OUR PEOPLE

We are a diverse team who bring a range of skills, life experiences, knowledge and passion for ethics to everything we do. Get to know a little more about us.

Engage An Expert


Find someone to speak about ethics.

ETHICS EXPERTS

Our Governance Team


Learn more about our board members.

OUR BOARD

Major Donors & Supporters


Our wonderful donors who support our work.

MAJOR DONORS

Bec Blake

Producer

Read More

Professional Bio

Rebecca is a producer, director and theatre maker. Alongside their work with The Ethics Centre they are Artistic Associate and board member with Kings Cross Theatre.  In 2018 Rebecca was Festival Coordinator for the Festival of Dangerous Ideas as well as Associate Producer for skateboarding show, SKATE, with community arts company, Big hART. Prior to this, they were an Artist in Residence with the Barbican Centre and Rich Mix Theatre in London. Rebecca has worked on a number of independent and main stage productions in Sydney, Bolivia and London and is a graduate of Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor in Communication (Theatre/Media). 

What inspires you about the work that you do?

Creating and curating work that challenges our perspectives. I enjoy finding new methods of connecting with audiences, storytelling and finding empathy which leads to growth. It is a real privilege to work with fellow creatives and engage in complex and unique ideas.

Ethics provides us with a value based moral compass for everyday life.

Bernadette Bateman

Director of Finance and Operations

Read More

Professional Bio

Bernadette Bateman is a Director of Finance and Operations with over 30 years of Chartered Accounting experience, specialising in the not-for-profit sector.  During this time she has held leadership positions with responsibility for finance and operations. Bernadette has an undergraduate degree in Commerce and a Masters in Financial Analysis.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I am passionate about improving the world in which we live, whether through sustainability or respect for everyone. The Ethics Centre’s purpose and vision is to benefit everyone and make the world in which we live better.  

Ethics is our foundation; it guides us to improve who we are as individuals and the community in which we live.

Cam Turnbull

Digital Engagement Specialist

Read More

Professional Bio

Cam is passionate about innovation, authenticity, access and promoting big ideas. Prior to their position with The Ethics Centre, Cam previously worked alongside non-profit organisations and small businesses across production, media, marketing and content. A proud alumnus of the University of Technology Sydney, Cam holds a Bachelor of Communications with a major in Media Arts and Production. 

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I look for any opportunity to collaborate and be creative, which is something I get to do every day in my role. The best part of my work is the opportunity to amplify the incredible work of The Ethics Centre through our marketing and content strategy.  

Ethics is a tool to help us better understand ourselves in relation to the world we live in.

Cecily Hardy

Head of Public Programs, Executive Producer of Festival of Dangerous Ideas

Read More

Professional Bio

Cecily has extensive experience in creative, impact, and community engagement producing, across Australia and the globe, having worked in Shanghai, Rotterdam, London and South KoreaCecily was one of the senior producers for the Namatjira Project, which famously achieved the return of iconic Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira’s trust and legacy to his descendants. Most recently Cecily comes from 6 years as Executive Producer for physical theatre makers Legs On The Wall, working with festivals, presenters, artists, and funders, to premiere works, including the renowned climate-responsive spectacle work THAW for Sydney Opera House, Sydney Festival and MONA FOMA in 2022. Cecily is a fellow of the Salsburg Global Seminar, Austria. She is also a qualified marriage celebrant, auctioneer, and mum.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I will never get over that Festival of Dangerous Ideas (FODI) really is what it says on the box. It’s truly about offering an accessible and safe play space for thinking and ideas – for all kinds of people, not just those who are highly qualified or highly resourced. A space to entangle, wrestle and wrangle with challenging, new, unbelievable, and uncomfortable ideas, all in the name of uncovering and discovering who we are, and who we will be.  

I just love that a small proudly independent organisation like The Ethics Centre has continued to reach out to communities for over 30 years, with initiatives like Ethi-Call and events like The Ethics of… . I’m inspired to be part of it.  

Ethics is a fundamental, not a privilege, for living well.

Cris Parker

Head of the Ethics Alliance & Director of the BFSO

Read More

Professional Bio

Cris heads The Ethics Centre’s initiative The Ethics Alliance, a community of organisations across sectors that works to collaboratively shape the future of business ethics. She is also a director of the Banking and Financial Services Oath, a pledge of integrity and commitment that aims to increase consideration of stakeholders and decision-making accountability by financial service professionals. It is a program she helped execute, and still oversees. She holds a degree in psychology, and in another life, founded a Manhattan theatre company, casting agency, and production studio.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I am inspired by the humanity that lies under the belly of business and the genuine desire to strengthen society. I am forever inspired by the people I work with who are so wholly committed to what they do. I am inspired by the impact of the work we do. Whether it is one person or a room of people, you can see and hear the impact – there is a hunger to learn and contribute to a better society.

My kids are going to make decisions that set the course for their lives. Ethics will help them make choices that are right for them.

Daniel Finlay

Youth Engagement Coordinator

Read More

Professional Bio

Daniel is a philosopher, writer and editor. Currently, he is undertaking research into how young people engage with ethics in their lives and how that can be improved. Prior to working at The Ethics Centre, Daniel exercised his creativity and language skills in various graphic design, editing and transcribing roles. He holds Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science (Hons) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Publishing from the University of Sydney. 

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I fell in love with ethical philosophy at university because it is so integral in making good decisions and understanding why others make theirs. I am inspired by the thought of reaching the upcoming generations as they are developing into adults and arming them with the critical thinking skills needed to act in line with their values. 

Daniel’s role as Youth Engagement Coordinator was made possible by Third Link Investment Managers.

Ethics forms the foundations of social progress.

Danielle Harvey

Director of Festival of Dangerous Ideas

Read More

Professional Bio

Danielle Harvey is a curator, creative producer and director. Danielle works across live performance, talks, installation and digital spaces, creating layered programs that connect deeply with audiences. A true polymath, she is currently Head of Engagement for The Ethics Centre and Festival Director of the infamous Festival of Dangerous Ideas, was founder of BingeFest (pop and screen-culture festival) and Antidote (a festival of ideas, art and action), and co-founder of All About Women. She was the co-creator and originating director of the award winning immersive experience A Midnight Visit. Past roles include Head of Contemporary Performance at Sydney Opera House and the Festival Executive Producer of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I remember the first FODI I was involved with 10 years ago and I felt my head was going to explode! It was so energising and eye opening. Being exposed to different disciplines, opinions and deep diving into topics presented by experts is so inspiring. Being able to bring that together for others to also engage with is a real privilege.

Ethics can provide real and practical guidance, even in the hardest times.

Dr Simon Longstaff AO FCPA

Executive Director

Read More

Professional Bio

Simon Longstaff began his working life on Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory of Australia. He is proud of his kinship ties to the Anindilyakwa people. After a period studying law in Sydney and teaching in Tasmania, he pursued postgraduate studies as a Member of Magdalene College, Cambridge. In 1991, Simon commenced his work as the first Executive Director of The Ethics Centre. In 2013, he was made an officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for “distinguished service to the community through the promotion of ethical standards in governance and business, to improving corporate responsibility, and to philosophy.” Simon is an Adjunct Professor of the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW, a Fellow of CPA Australia, the Royal Society of NSW and the Australian Risk Policy Institute.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

People. I am inspired by their openness and generosity in sharing their thoughts and feelings with me. I am inspired by our common frailty in the midst of uncertainty – and the fact that this need not be overwhelming. I am inspired by the opportunity to continue learning about our brilliant, troubling, contradictory, maddeningly beautiful form of being – simultaneously the most creative and destructive creature on earth; a source of wonder and dread. If I can help people to fall ‘just the right side’ of each question, then I play a small role in making a better future.

It is only when we live an examined life that we live a fully human life.

Dr Tim Dean

Senior Philosopher, Manos Chair in Ethics

Read More

Professional Bio

Tim is a public philosopher, speaker and writer. He has a Doctorate in philosophy from the University of New South Wales on the evolution of morality and specialises in public philosophy, ethics and critical thinking. He is an Honorary Associate at the University of Sydney and the author of How We Became Human published by Pan Macmillan. He is also an experienced science writer and editor and has worked for outlets such as The Conversation and edited magazines including Cosmos and Australian Life Scientist. He is the recipient of the Australasian Association of Philosophy Media Professionals’ Award for his work on philosophy in the public sphere.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

The question “why?” is what drives me. It’s a foil for complacency, it’s an antidote to misplaced certainty, it’s the starting point of all enquiry and it’s the first step on the path to discovering wisdom. It’s by asking “why?” together that we discover what it truly means to be human. Philosophy gives us an incredibly powerful toolkit for asking “why?” and applying what we uncover to help us live better, more fulfilled and ethical lives.  

Ethics is our superpower; it’s what makes us human.

Erin Grech

Program Administrator, The Ethics Alliance & BFSO

Read More

Professional Bio

Erin has over 20 years of experience in executive support, project administration, business operations, client engagement and secretariat support across a range of sectors including banking, consulting and not-for-profit.  

What inspires you about the work that you do?

We can all make an impact in our workplace and in society. If I can help individuals and businesses work smarter and achieve greater impact, then that is a job well done. 

Ethics brings meaning and understanding to the choices we make.

Jess Lewis

Content Manager

Read More

Professional Bio

Passionate about art, design, human connection and provocative conversation, Jess is an experienced marketer, content creator and graphic designer, with a history of working in events, retail, galleries, bookstores and small businesses. She holds a Bachelor of Design in Visual Communications at UTS (Hons) and a Master of Art at UNSW.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I strongly believe we should be challenged and exposed to a range of varying ideas in our world, whether they are controversial or disagreeable with our own. When our work is focused on community and ethics, it enables us to reflect on the views and morals of ourselves and others, creating more of an open dialogue to ultimately better society.

Ethics helps us understand what makes something right and wrong.

John Neil

Director of Innovation

Read More

Professional Bio

During his time at The Ethics Centre John has directed our major consulting projects, leadership, people and culture programs and product development. Drawing on 20 years as a consultant, lecturer and researcher in ethics, leadership, cultural studies, innovation and social entrepreneurship, John has worked with Australia’s largest organisations in developing and delivering solutions to bring ethics to the centre of business design, culture development and organisational decision making. As Director of Innovation, he leads the development of our tools, frameworks and programs.

Whats inspires you about the work you do?

Helping individuals and organisations make sense of complex problems, large and small. Bringing solutions that are practical, collaborative and which draw on the inherent wisdom of those who are most directly affected by the challenge.

As human beings we are unique in our ability to choose what matters most. Because of this, ethics is at the centre of what makes a meaningful life, for ourselves, and for others.

Joseph Dickson

Program Manager

Read More

Professional Bio

Joseph brings over 15 years of experience across content and education roles with the ASX to The Ethics Centre’s education team. In his role as Project Manager he is driving the development of new ethical literacy training programs specifically for the Financial Services industry.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

Education is one of the great ways to help shape the world we live in. In my role I have the unique privilege to create a positive impact on the lives of those who experience our programs, and also see that change ripple across the world around them.

Ethics helps me to see the world from other perspectives, creating empathy through understanding.

Kathleen Evesson

Head of Marketing and Communications

Read More

Professional Bio

Kathleen Evesson is a senior marketing specialist with expertise in strategy development, brand management, integrated campaign execution and stakeholder relationships. She has over 15 years’ experience in marketing and communications roles across book publishing, higher education and museums. Kathleen is passionate about education, encouraging public discourse and sharing knowledge. She thrives on collaboration and telling stories that have an impact on people’s lives. 

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I am thrilled to part of an organisation that is driving positive change for the future. I’m really interested in how to make better decisions in my relationships with others, in how I interact with the world and in my professional life. I believe that together we can find a path through the complex challenges that face us as a society. 

For me, ethics is at the core of what it means to be human.

Kristen Gartrell

Project Manager – Consulting + Leadership

Read More

Professional Bio

Kristen joins the team at The Ethics Centre as Project Manager – Consulting and Leadership and is responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day operations of the Consulting and Leadership, and Ethi-call Counselling teams. Underpinned by a Bachelor of Tourism Management from UTS, Kristen brings significant experience in high-level administration and project management support acquired from a diverse mix of roles in both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors. Kristen most recently worked for a human rights social change movement. 

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I continue to be inspired by people who resolutely embrace ethics, determined to live and breathe ethics in all that they do. We can all make a difference. Seeing the evidence of ethics at play shines a light on that ever-elusive golden thread of ‘hope’. 

Ethics matters. It brings about that much needed mindfulness to the way in which we live our lives.

Michelle Walter

Director of Engagement & Fundraising

Read More

Professional Bio

Michelle has spent over 20 years developing and managing partnerships and events in both corporate and non-profit organisations across the tourism, media, health and charity sectors. She is passionate about creating sustainable partnerships and experiences that engage internal and external stakeholders to drive long-term outcomes for all involved. Her experience spans the spectrum of fundraising, partnerships, stakeholder engagement, business development, marketing, communications, talent management, end-to-end events concept creation and delivery, and brand management. 

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I am passionate about the power of community and collaboration. I believe we are more effective when we work together to achieve a goal. I am inspired by seeing the right people and organisations come together to fund and resource projects that achieve our vision and goals.

My natural instinct is to question and challenge and, for me, ethics provides the framework to make informed, accountable, responsible decisions for a better society.

Rosemary Smithson

Major Gifts and Memberships Manager

Read More

Professional Bio

Rosemary specialises in relationship management with years of inspiring and influencing clients and donors to develop long-term business relationships and lasting partnerships.  She has developed engagement strategies that create loyalty and retention resulting in increased profits for the organisations where she has worked.

Rosemary’s experience spans the airline, hotel and tourism industry with her most recent role in the charity sector. For 17 years she passionately led the development and growth of the Property Industry Foundation raising funds for education and employment programs, plus building homes and centres for homeless youth – distributing $22m to thirty charity partners in NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I love bringing people together and helping to create a place for open conversation and a space to stop, think and explore the ethical dimension of everyday living – where we can encourage people to live and act according to their values. I feel good to be able to share with Members that we have a free helpline that provides guidance to those facing an ethical dilemma. It’s inspirational to share the Centre’s articles, videos and papers as well as enlightening experiences such as the Festival of Dangerous Ideas (FODI), curated conversations and debates. 

Ethics provides me with an authentic and meaningful life based on integrity, allowing me to cultivate an inner peace and provides for a stable society.

Wendy Agostino

Executive Assistant

Read More

Professional Bio

Wendy joined the Ethics Centre in early 2018 and has an extensive career working as an Executive Assistant in a variety of organisations and sectors including PWC, Bus 2000, AAP and Aussie Home Loans.  “I really enjoy what I do, and get great satisfaction from helping others to achieve success”. Coming from a broad range of industries I have had the opportunity to see the inner workings of business and being in this role allows me to reflect on what Ethics at work really means and given me a renewed lens on the business world.

What inspires you about the work that you do?

I’m passionate about working with a team who has a combined purpose of making a meaningful difference in the world.

Ethics is something we ‘do’ every day – even if we don’t realise it – and allows us to live with principle and purpose.

OUR IMPACT

For 30 years we’ve worked with thousands of people and organisations across the globe to tackle the ethical challenges they face, or set the foundations to confront them when they come. Here is a glimpse at the impact our work creates.


ANNUAL REPORTS

Annual Report 2022-23
Annual Report 2021-22
Annual Report 2020-21
Annual Report 2019-20
Annual Report 2018-19
Annual Report 2017-18

US + YOU

Our work is only possible because of you.Let’s see what we can do together to put ethics at the centre.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Tell me...