The inaugural CEO of the amalgamated Australia-Pasifik Environmental Defenders Office, David Morris, is stepping down after five years at the helm and more than a decade with EDO.  

Mr Morris joined EDO Northern Territory in 2013 before moving to lead EDO NSW in 2017. In 2019, he was appointed inaugural CEO of the newly merged Australia-Pasifik Enviromental Defenders Office, uniting eight state and territory EDOs into a single Australia-Pasifik legal centre.  

Over the past five years, EDO has experienced significant growth and achieved major milestones under Mr Morris’s leadership, including: 

  • Running groundbreaking environmental litigation that protected ecosystems, species, and cultural heritage, and significantly contributed to the energy transition away from fossil fuels.  
  • Providing free legal advice and representation to tens of thousands of Australians. 
  • Delivering expert advice to governments across Australia and the Pasifik on environmental reforms. 
  • Establishing a dedicated First Nations Program and a Country and Cultural Heritage Practice. 

EDO Chair Brent Wallace thanked Mr Morris for his leadership and contribution. 

“David has been an exceptional leader, steering the EDO through the complexities of merger and growth, immense societal disruption and significant challenges,” Mr Wallace said.  

“All the while, David has maintained a clear focus on the outcomes EDO exists to deliver for its clients and the organisation’s vision of a world where nature thrives.  

“He leaves a lasting legacy in the development of public interest environmental law in our region.” 

Mr Morris said: “Leading EDO has been an extraordinary privilege. I’ve been constantly inspired by the passion, expertise and commitment of our team, and by the courage and strength of the clients and communities we serve. 

“As CEO, I’ve been extremely fortunate to serve alongside three outstanding chairs: the late Hon. Jane Mathews AO, Dr Bronwyn Darlington, and current Chair, Brent Wallace. 

“As a young lawyer arriving in Darwin nearly 13 years ago, I could not have imagined what would lie ahead of me at EDO.  

“With the trust of our clients and the support of the wider community, we have amplified the voices of those whose pleas to defend nature, climate and community have too often gone unheard. 

“I am confident EDO will go from strength to strength because the work ahead will be led by a team that is perfectly equipped to continue building this exceptional organisation.” 

The Board and staff extend their sincere thanks to Mr Morris for his contribution and leadership.  

As EDO begins this new chapter, it continues to deliver vital legal services thanks to strong community support.  

With the end of financial year approaching, now is an ideal time to support EDO through a tax-deductible donation.   

Mr Morris is working closely with the Board to ensure a smooth transition and assist with the recruitment of his successor. 

Position description
View the CEO position description here.

About EDO 

EDO is a leading Australia-Pasifik not-for-profit public-interest environmental law practice.  It protects people, nature and the climate through law.  It values its deep connection to communities and places. EDO provides access to justice, empowers communities, and drives the systems change necessary to achieve a world where nature thrives. 

MEDIA CONTACT: James Tremain | 0419 272 254