Program speakers

David Morris

As CEO of the Environmental Defenders Office, David is responsible for the strategic oversight and delivery of EDO’s public interest environmental law services throughout the Australia Pacific region. He leads a talented and driven team of experts dedicated to finding legal solutions that protect nature, communities, and our climate.

He was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the EDO following the merger of the pre-existing eight entities in late 2019.

Prior to his current role, he was CEO of EDO NSW from 2017 and before that spent nearly five years practicing public interest environmental law in the Northern Territory as Principal Lawyer and Executive Officer of EDO Northern Territory. During this time, he also taught various law subjects at Charles Darwin University.

In 2016, he was awarded the Mahla Pearlman Young Australian Environmental Lawyer of the Year award by the Law Council of Australia.

Prior to joining EDO Northern Territory, he practiced in litigation roles in private practice and the Victorian public service.

In a voluntary capacity he has held governance roles with Torquay Surf Lifesaving Club, the Environment Centre Northern Territory, and the Australian Conservation Foundation.