Dr Leslie Cannold

Author, Inspirational Speaker, Social Commentator, Journalist

Dr Leslie Cannold is an author, commentator, ethicist and activist. Her books include the award-winning The Abortion Myth and What, No Baby? which made the Australian Financial Review’s top 101 books list. Her first novel, The Book of Rachael was published in 2011 by Text. Leslie is often noted as one of Australia’s leading thinkers. In 2005 she was listed alongside Professor Peter Singer, Professor Gustav Nossal and Inga Clendinnen as one of Australia’s top 20 public intellectuals. In 2011 she was named Australian Humanist of the Year.

Haven’t I seen you before?

You can hear me talk ethics on 702 ABC Sydney, Brisbane radio 4BC and The 7pm Project on Network Ten. My Moral Dilemma column runs on Sundays in the Sydney Sun-Herald. I’m also a regular guest on ABC TV’s Q & A. You may also have seen me on any of the major current affairs programs from Insight and The 7.30 Report to Today Tonight and A Current Affair.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Women’s rights, sex, the challenges and joys of intimate relationships.

What other jobs have you had?

I’ve been a researcher, in the community and then academic sector, for most of my career, as well as a freelance journalist, – now columnist, for the last 15.

Where have your works been published?

Since the late 1980’s, my views have appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Crikey!, The Herald Sun, ABC The Drum Unleashed, The Courier Mail and the national broadsheet The Australian.

What are you passionate about?

About making people passionate! My by-words are Think, Create, Communicate and Change.

What have been the highlights of your career?

Both have been this year with the publication of my novel, The Book of Rachael and being named The Australian Humanist of the Year.