An Apple a Week with Dr Katie Allen

As former Director of Energy at Fortescue Metals and now MD of Pollination, a clean energy investment and advisory firm, Rob Grant has been deeply engaged in the economics of the clean tech energy transition. Join me as we discuss the complexities of an issue that requires smart thinking not just wishful thinking.

As Chair of A New Approach, Australia’s first think tank for the Arts, Rupert Myer has done a lot of deep thinking about how to better support our creative and cultural industries. Join me as we discuss his vision for a more collaborative and creative approach to enabling a sector that not only provides beauty and joy to our daily lives but is core to our future prosperity.

As Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nick Coatsworth played a key role in communicating critical government decisions during the early uncertain days of COVID. How did he navigate the politicised environment of the crisis given his training in infectious diseases and respiratory medicine? Join me as we discuss the real-time decision making faced by our health bureaucrats.

Professor Peter Doherty is one of Australia’s pre-eminent scientists. As a Nobel prize winner, former Australian of the Year and highly published author he continues to contribute to the public debate on Australia’s response to COVID. He provides fascinating insights into the origins of COVID and whether it’s here to stay.

Charlotte Mortlock is passionate about engaging more women in politics. As a former Sky journalist she understands the art of communication and the importance of appealing to your audience. Join me as we discuss the Hilma initiative and her vision for more grass roots support for women to engage in the political debate.

Judith Troeth represented Victoria in the Federal Parliament as a Senator for 18 years. She shares her views on the wash up of the 2022 Victorian State Election as well as the role of policy in appealing to the female vote.

Cristina Talacko leads the Coalition for Conservation which seeks to engage legislators in Australia on policy to combat climate change. Join me as we discuss emerging trends from COP27 and the role of the free market in delivering commercial products for effective emission reduction.

As former Chief Scientist of Australia, Professor Alan Finkel drove the Low Emissions Technology Strategy to help unleash Australia’s potential as a global renewable superpower. Join me as we discuss commercialising clean tech and the outcomes of COP27.

This week marks the 5th anniversary when Australia voted Yes to Marriage Equality. It was particularly significant for former Member of Federal Parliament, Trent Zimmerman, who was the 1st openly gay to be elected to the House of Representatives. He reflects on the joy the resulting legislation has brought to thousands of Australian couples and families. We also discuss the Zimmerman report- a parliamentary inquiry he chaired into improving the efficiencies of our health, medtech and clinical trials sector.

Greg Hunt was in the hot seat as Minister for Health for Australia when COVID emerged and then raged across the globe. Join me as we discuss the pressures and complicated decisions that had to be made at speed in the national interest. We explore how Greg navigated a crisis of unprecedented nature and how he kept his cool through a tumultuous period of our history.