Congratulations to Dr Gillian Sparkes on being awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Queen’s Birthday 2021 Honours “for significant services to environmental sustainability, and to public administration”.

The award recognises Dr Sparkes' career specialising in environmental, industrial, waste management, community issues and public administration.

“I am deeply honoured and humbled by this award,” said Dr Sparkes.

“I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work with great people and lead important initiatives that serve the community and the environment.”

Dr Gillian Sparkes AM

Dr Sparkes’ non-executive roles include Chair of FrontierSI, member of the 2030 Space and Spatial Growth Roadmap Steering Group and Directorships with the Country Fire Authority, Industry Capability Network (Victoria) and the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. She is the Chair of the Western Port Integrated Water Management Forum and a member of the Monash Sustainable Development Institute Advisory Council.

Dr Sparkes expressed “I am proud to be recognised alongside other Australians going above and beyond and I share this honour with the wonderful teams I work with.”

Dr Sparkes was appointed Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability in Victoria in 2014.

As Commissioner, Dr Sparkes reports and advises government on the environment.

She is leading reforms to enhance the state’s environmental monitoring, assessment and reporting, and establish the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and System of Environmental-Economic Accounts (SEEA) as part of the reporting frameworks for Victoria.

Quick fact

Did you know that Victoria is one of only two jurisdictions in Australia (the other being the ACT) with an independent Commissioner charged with periodic State of the Environment reporting? Read about Victoria’s Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability.