Having passed away after a long battle with cancer, the legacy of Fiona Wain – former CEO of Sustainable Business Australia – lives on with her pioneering work on raising awareness of the environmental challenges that businesses face today. Ken Hickson remembers the forceful but always kind leader who didn’t hesitate to encourage and support businesses – small and large – in their journey towards sustanability. She was tough on Government Ministers who were slow to realise the urgency of dealing with climate change and in addressing major environmental probelms. Quick on recognising the important part sustainability plays in national competitiveness, Fiona tirelessly championed the cause on both national and international levels. Here, a fitting tribute, from no less than the one to fill her over-sized shoes. Read more

By Richard Collins (11 October 2012):

Former Sustainable Business Australia CEO Fiona Wain has died following a long battle with cancer.

A statement from current CEO Andrew Petersen said she slipped into a coma and died earlier this week.

The late Fiona Wain.

Wain joined the then Environment Business Australia in 2001 and lead the peak environment industry organisation for a decade, tirelessly doing the Canberra rounds to raise awareness about the scale and relevance of environmental challenges.

Under her leadership, SBA also embarked on a strategic plan to raise the business debate about the role and scope for smart policies, investment, technology and trade opportunities geared towards achieving a sustainable and just world.

Wain was an early adopter of the view that sustainability would become a national competitive advantage in the 21st century, not just a commercial one.

She pursued the interests of Australian business at a number of international forums, including at the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 where she chaired the Sustainable Production and Consumption Working Group of business leaders.

She was also instrumental in the recognition of the nascent environment industry in 2001 through development and release of the Australian Environment Industry Action report.

Other significant contributions included her representation on the Queensland Government’s Climate Change Council and submissions on the Renewable Energy Target and to the development of the emissions trading scheme.

“Fiona was a high-energy person, never short of an opinion and never afraid to confront the status quo. And there was her love for champagne – and champagne only!” noted Petersen.

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