Gregory Andrews is the founder and managing director of Lyrebird Dreaming. He was Australia's first Threatened Species Commissioner, and was the former Australian High Commissioner to Ghana and West Africa.
Gregory Andrews | |
|---|---|
| Australian High Commissioner to Ghana and West Africa | |
| In office 26 June 2020 – 25 December 2021 | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Scott Morrison |
| Preceded by | Andrew Barnes |
| Succeeded by | Berenice Owen-Jones |
Early life and education
editGregory Andrews was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and is a Dharawal man of shared Aboriginal and European ancestry.[1]
He holds a Master of Arts (Foreign Affairs and Trade) from the Australian National University and a Bachelor of Economics, majoring in econometrics, with First Class Honours from the University of Newcastle.[2]
Career
editAndrews joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as a graduate in 1992.[citation needed]
In 2014, Andrews was appointed Threatened Species Commissioner, a position created by the incoming Coalition Government. Environment monister Greg Hunt conceded the role lacked statutory powers and would have to liaise with other agencies.[3]
Andrews served as assistant secretary of the International Organisations Branch. He has previously served overseas as first secretary at the Australian Embassy, Beijing. From 2017 to 2019, Andrews was Australia's national focal point for the Responsibility to Protect and represented Australia in United Nations, bilateral and non-government negotiations on atrocity prevention.[4][5]
In June 2020 Andrews was appointed as Australia's High Commissioner to Ghana to Ghana and West Africa.[2][6] His appointment was reportedly marred with controversy based on his support for marginalised people such as so called accused witches and Ghana's LGBT community.[7] On 20 December 2021, it is reported that the Australian Government ended Andrews appointment to Ghana, and he returned home.[8][9]
Andrews served as Australia's deputy chief climate negotiator to the United Nations.[10]
He is the founder and managing director of Lyrebird Dreaming.[11]
Climate activism
editOn 2 November 2023, Andrews begun a hunger strike on the lawns of Australian Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, protesting the lack of government action on climate change.[6] Andrews was taken to hospital after a 16-day hunger strike, ending the longest hunger strike for climate action by a single person in Australia. His petition received over 4,500 signatures.[12]
On 9 August 2024, Andrews set out on a fundraising trip, intending to cycle 4,500 km (2,800 mi) across Australia from west to east on an ebike. Donations made online will be earmarked to specific projects which help to provide more renewable energy for people living regional and remote areas.[13]
References
edit- ^ Aidt, Mik (17 November 2023). "I'm doing this for my kids and country". Centre for Climate Safety.
- ^ a b "High Commissioner to Ghana - Media Release". Minister for Foreign Affairs. 26 June 2020. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
- ^ Sturmer, Jake (2 July 2014). "Gregory Andrews appointed as Threatened Species Commissioner, environment groups say he needs more power". ABC News. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
- ^ "Summary of the Eighth Annual Meeting of the Global Network of R2P Focal Points Helsinki, Finland, 2018".
- ^ https://r2pasiapacific.org/files/623/spotlight_jul2018_issue45_4th_chna-aus_dialogue_peacekeeping_accountability_for_prevention.pdf
- ^ a b "Gregory Andrews used to be a senior Liberal adviser. Now he's 14 days into a climate action hunger strike". ABC News. 15 November 2023 – via www.abc.net.au.
- ^ "Ghana's LGBTQ Community is Under Siege – and Politicians Are Leading the Attacks". 26 February 2021.
- ^ "Australia's man in Ghana reportedly recalled over support for LGBTI people". OUTinPerth. 14 December 2021.
- ^ Ayamga, Emmanuel (13 May 2021). "'I'll beat him!' - Sam George warns Australian High Commissioner over LGBT pressure". pulse.com.gh.
- ^ Foley, Mike (17 November 2023). "From diplomat to hunger striker: Gregory defied his fear of death to fight fossil fuels". The Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^ "About Me | Lyrebird Dreaming | Gregory Andrews | Indigenous Consultant | Canberra, ACT | Australia".
- ^ "Climate activist taken away in ambulance on day 16 of hunger strike". skynews. 17 November 2023.
- ^ "eBike For Australia". Gregory Andrews. Retrieved 13 August 2024.