When oncologist Dr Bronwyn King AO discovered that some of her superannuation was being invested in the tobacco industry through the default option of her fund, she set out to create change. As a doctor treating patients suffering from lung cancer – and having watched people die from tobacco-related disease – Bronwyn could not accept this unwitting investment. In just a few years, she has worked tirelessly with her organisation, Tobacco Free Portfolios, to stop $1.5 trillion of Australians’ money from being invested in the global production of cigarettes. We have recognised Bronwyn’s dedicated achievements by naming her Melburnian of the Year – a title that honours inspirational role models who have made outstanding contributions to our city. Bronwyn’s passion for all aspects of Melbourne life is palpable – sparked by numerous childhood outings with her grandmother, an enthusiastic city-explorer. The city is also the centre of Bronwyn’s tobacco-free crusade. ‘The work started right here in Melbourne. Now there are more than 45 Australian superannuation funds that have implemented tobacco-free investment policies and those super funds control $1.5 trillion dollars,’ Bronwyn said. ‘This has made for a great case study that we share all across the world. Now our work has had an impact in 20 countries.’ Without any previous experience in finance, Bronwyn started from scratch, learning everything she could from supportive senior leaders in the sector, who also helped her extend her network in Australia and beyond. Tobacco Free Portfolios now has more than 120 signatories to its flagship initiative, the Tobacco-Free Finance Pledge, including some of the world’s biggest banks and insurance agencies. Collectively, these organisations control more than US$8 trillion. ‘Even though there is a long way to go, all this has shown us what’s possible. We know with hard work and a lot of energy … Continue reading Tobacco-free crusader named Melburnian of the Year