Neil Lawson

Neil Lawson is the Public Affairs Manager for International Power's Hazelwood Power Station in Victoria.

Background
A biographical note states that "after completing school he commenced a part-time business degree and gained employment with the SECV in administration. An interest in journalism led to some dabbling in writing for both the in-house SEC magazine and local newspapers. Promotion within the SEC’s financial administration area led to a position with the newly formed GenVic in ’93 as Public Relations manager. (GenVic was the government body that oversaw the transition of electricity generation from the SECV to privatisation.) In 1995 Neil became the Public Affairs Manager at Hazelwood Power, now International Power, Hazelwood, a position that Neil is obviously enthusiastic about, despite only having a staff of one."

"Neil describes his job as being to protect & enhance Hazelwood’s image, to manage and respond to issues, and to proactively and strategically manage Hazelwood’s public face ... Much of Neil’s community involvement has been through his work at Hazelwood International, overseeing the planning & development of community projects such as the Morwell Community Playground, providing sponsorship and support for community ventures as diverse as the Morwell Traffic School and the Churchill and District News, and promoting a positive image for the energy industry through involvement in developments such as Powerworks and the Morwell Wetlands. Neil has maintained his interest in journalism and describes himself as an avid newspaper reader, interested in the direction and interpretation of issues as presented in the media. And he still has a hands-on role in the content of Hazelwood’s publications," the biographical note stated.

Related SourceWatch articles

 * Eco-terrorism

External articles

 * International Power Australia, "Hazelwood CEO Issue", Media Release, June 15, 2009. (The media contact listed on the media release is Neil Lawson.)