Meet the SA Branch Committee - Steve Morton
by Water Source
Name
Steve Morton
Qualifications
Bachelor of Economics (Honours)
Current Employer
Department for Environment and Water
Current Position
Manager of International Business
Describe a typical workday
Early start most days. Sort out emails before the kids get up. Then a standard workday generally (either in the office, home or a combination). Then most nights I will have some meeting with overseas parties – currently this is with the United Arab Emirates mainly as we work to deliver a water conference at Dubai Expo next March.
What changes or trends are happening in the water industry?
I think we are the precipice of an evolution in the water industry, with new technological advancements in other fields (data analytics, AI, bio-engineering, satellites) driving change and innovation across the water cycle.
Hobbies past or present?
Fishing, skateboarding (scares the hell out of me these days), Playstation, slot cars.
What can’t you do without?
Sadly, I would probably say my Playstation.
Rugby, AFL or soccer?
AFL, but it ain’t what it used to be!
Dogs or cats?
Dogs! Puppies in particular make the world a better place.
Do you have children?
A girl and a boy.
What’s in your music player currently?
90s hip hop.
How do you maintain balance between your work and personal life?
Luckily DEW has a real focus on flexible working which helps – other than that, I guess I try and not take things too seriously.
Do you have any other Volunteer roles?
Not currently. Needing to engage internationally doesn’t allow for much extra time.
What would your dream holiday be?
Starting in Iceland, touring down through Scandinavia to St Petersburgh, then Moscow, then the Trans-Siberian Railway to Beijing.
What is your favourite film?
National Lampoon’s Vacation
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Batman
What is your dream job?
Being Batman
Who do you admire?
Batman
Career path
University, graduate position in the State Government, then moving around to different areas – 25 years and counting.
What was your first job?
A graduate economist at the Economic Development Authority.
What's the most unusual thing that's happened to you at work?
Promoting Tonkin Consulting’s 60th anniversary by being on a (nearly life-size) poster put up at bus stops around Adelaide.
If you could invite four people to dinner who would they be?
Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Lex Luthor.
What is the most important factor for success?
Passion and compassion, with a sprinkling of humour.
What are the important qualities required to be a good manager?
As above, passion and compassion, with a sprinkling of humour.
What was a defining moment in your life?
Being born.
What advice would you give to a young person just starting out in our industry?
Always challenge your thinking and put yourself in uncomfortable positions.
