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One of our core functions – and one we take very seriously –  is our role as public advocates for ethics. We’re regularly asked by people and organisations all over the world to offer comment or lead discussion on the latest news, current affairs and issues facing humanity. 

We bring an ethical lens to each subject, offering perspective and guidance to help audiences better understand the ethical questions behind the headlines.

In the last few years, we’ve been asked to unpack the complexities of data security, AI and social media. We’ve looked at political and sporting scandals, genetic testing of human embryos, and workplace affairs. From medical to military ethics, there’s no limit on what we get asked about – and few topics we won’t touch. Ethics touches everything after all.

If you’re writing a story, holding an event, or looking for an expert to speak at your conference or business, The Ethics Centre has a range of experts on hand who are ready to offer their insights. A handful are featured below.

Media Commentary

Speaking Engagements

Workshop Facilitation

Consultation & Guidance

Dr Simon Longstaff AO FCPA

Executive Director

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.

More about Simon

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

John Neil

Director of Innovation

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.

More about John

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.

Cris Parker

Head of the Ethics Alliance & Director of the BFSO

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.

More about Cris

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.

Dr Tim Dean

Senior Philosopher, Manos Chair in Ethics

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.  

More about Tim

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

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