Jon Womersley FEIANZ CEnvP pays tribute to Dr Ian McPhail AM who died in Queensland on 29 January 2021 aged 81 years.

Australia and the environment profession have lost a leader and great contributor who made it his life’s work to improve environmental policy and the ways in which we manage the environment. The death of Dr Ian R McPhail AM on the 29 January 2021 marked the ending of a career contribution that was founded in the geographical sciences, a passion for leaving the world a better place, and a fulsome appreciation for the value of life-long learning and good governance.

Ian McPhail was at the forefront of change in a largely public sector focussed career that had its nascence in the early 1970s when he earned a senior appointment in the Department of Urban and Regional Development. His career took him to South Australia where he was the head of the State Government agencies with responsibility for local government, environment and planning and education. He was unique in that he represented three separate jurisdictions on the Murray Darling Basin Commission, roles that he would reflect challenged his desire for accomplishment of better policy and practice.

Moving from South Australia, Ian McPhail took up the role of Chairman and CEO of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, a role in which he strengthened the collaborations between environmental managers and industry in the protection of the World Heritage Area. In a similar vein, Ian next took up the challenge of contributing to environmental policy for the Queensland Government and in-particular the leadership of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

Ian McPhail loved challenges and prior to his retirement from the public sector he was the inaugural Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability for the Victorian Government, a role that he relished. In the latter part of his career he held appointments as Adjunct Professor in the Centre for Sustainable Business and Development at the University of Southern Queensland, and the School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management at the University of Queensland.

In a distinguished career, Ian McPhail made touched the lives of many environmental practitioners in ways that encouraged them to be better leaders and practitioners. He was a consummate contributor to public policy who worked across the political spectrum with his focus always on good practice and good governance.

Vale Dr Ian McPhail AM your journey has ended but your contributions will endure.