AELA’s Team

Dr Michelle Maloney has a Bachelor of Arts and Law (Hons) from the Australian National University and a PhD in Law from Griffith University. As Co-Founder and National Convenor of the Australian Earth Laws Alliance, Michelle manages the strategic direction and governance of AELA, including the extensive partnerships and networks that AELA has with the legal, academic, indigenous and environmental advocacy communities. Michelle also designs and manages AELA programs and events, including the Australian Peoples' Tribunal for Community and Nature's Rights, and coordinates the work of more than 20 fantastic multi-disciplinary professional and student volunteers around Australia. Michelle is the Co-Founder and Director of the New Economy Network Australia (NENA); Co-Founder and Director of Future Dreaming Australia; International Consultant, UN Women (Climate Justice and Rights of Nature); Senior Adjunct Fellow, Law Futures Centre, Griffith University and a member of the Steering Group of the Ecological Law and Governance Association (ELGA).
Read Michelle's profile and publications.

James Lee holds a Master of Environmental Management (MEM) from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and has a background in art, music (BMus) and film studies (GradDip Film & TV). James has expertise in interdisciplinary approaches to addressing ecological challenges and his work explores the role that cultural practices can play in informing and supporting Earth-centred governance. James manages a range of AELA programs, including Greenprints Research, AELA Education and selected Earth Arts projects. James also oversees AELA's operational systems, including membership, event coordination, communications, and website development across several AELA programs.

Sarah has a strong background in legal administration work having worked as a paralegal for over ten years. She is passionate about protecting the environment and believes strongly in earth-centred governance. Sarah, originally from Brisbane, now calls Bundaberg home and is a volunteer for her local Landcare group. She is very proud to be a part of the AELA team.

Leeanne has more than 17 years' experience in policy analysis, regulations and compliance, sustainability and financial reporting in the energy industry.  Leeanne holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle, Master of Environmental Law from the University of Sydney and is CPA qualified.

Kira has over 15 years public sector experience, working in the Queensland Government in the fields of social justice, workers’ rights, and mental health. Kira is passionate about creating and living within a new, emerging society that is regenerative and empathetic to our ecological and social needs.Kira is a Project Officer in the Greenprints Program, and Community Coordinator for Regen Brisbane/Meeanjin. She works with communities and organisations within Brisbane to help to create and transform our society, and thrive within our ecological limits. Kira has extensive experience in community organising and is a regular contributor to 4ZZZ’s Community radio show, Eco Radio. Kira has lived in Brisbane/Meeanjin all her life and cares deeply about protecting and restoring the natural world.