My passion is policy development and ensuring policies have a positive influence on our beautiful world and societies. I was a member of the Greens for several years including running for both federal parliament and local government. There are scientific blindspots in the Green movement in Australia, such as in gene technology and nuclear energy. These weaken our ability to solve environmental and social challenges. That’s why I have led the founding of WePlanet Australia.

I believe in living in an environmentally conscious and ethical life. I strive to make sustainable and environmental personal choices in my daily life but see the need for wider societal change if we are to leave a legacy of a better world for future generations.

I am an optimist who believes there is still time to have a future where humanity and ecology thrive together. I have worked in university, industry and hospital pathology labs as a microbiologist; and more recently in public health. I ran as a candidate in the 2016, 2019 and 2022 federal elections as I couldn't otherwise see the evidence-informed policies I wanted in politics.

Dr. Ben Heard is a leading Australian analyst specialising in nuclear technology for climate change, energy, environmental restoration, and human well-being. His doctoral thesis explored integrating nuclear and renewable technologies for Australia's National Electricity Market, and he holds a Masters in Corporate Sustainability. With broad experience in land remediation, water reform, and forestry, Ben tackles diverse environmental and sustainability challenges.