Hi! I’m Cleo and I’m a third-year Arts student at the University of Melbourne, completing a major in Politics and International studies, and in Ancient Worlds studies.

My interest in the governance of the extractive industries sector was sparked after working on some campaigns for a climate grassroots organisation. It was after this campaigning that I truly began to appreciate the role of transparency initiatives in mitigating the potential for mismanagement of this sector. Aside from environmental campaigning, in my spare time I love riding my bike, watching French movies and trying (unsuccessfully!) to cook new things.

When I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to intern for Publish What You Pay, I was thrilled to be able to contribute to an organisation that has continually proven its dedication to pursuing a more just and sustainable energy industry both in Australia and globally. I am also very fortunate that my interests in climate and First-Nations justice align so closely with the work of PWYP. I am especially passionate about the work that PWYP does in advancing the rights and voices of minority communities globally. During my internship, I hope to learn more about the process of coalition-building within NGOs and expand my understanding of the role of industry governance.

Hi, my name is Akalia and I am very excited to be starting as one of Publish What You Pay’s newest interns. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Politics and International Studies.

I’ve always been someone who is incredibly interested in social and climate justice, which has inspired me to pursue policy and advocacy work. Through my studies, I have gained a detailed understanding of policy development and analysis and I aim to pursue further studies in this area and later establish a career in public policy. I have prepared research into transparency in the financial sector, developing policy papers addressing government regulation and corporate responsibility within Buy Now, Pay Later services. This research really helped grow my passion for corporate transparency and anti-corruption advocacy, and I am so excited to contribute to PWYP’s impressive work in these areas.

In my spare time, I love to stay active by going to the gym or dancing. I’m also an avid book reader, and I really enjoy reading books about historical events.

I’m really excited to dive right into such a hands-on role where I’m able to work on important topics that I am genuinely passionate about. In particular, I’m looking forward to exploring the link between women’s rights and extractive sector transparency for PWYP Australia, as well as developing my knowledge of the policy development and research process more broadly.