Dr Fleming had a lifelong passion for Antarctic science, the environment and history, with his grandfather Raymond Priestley a member of Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition (1910–1913).

During his time at the helm of the AAD, Dr Fleming was the Australian Commissioner of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), playing a key role in developing a proposal for Marine Protected Areas off East Antarctica.

In 2012 he led a significant commemorative voyage to Mawson’s Huts at Commonwealth Bay as part of Australia’s celebrations to mark the centenary of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition 1911–1914.

Dr Fleming was instrumental in the modernisation of the Australian Antarctic Program, including initiating the procurement process for Australia’s new icebreaker RSV Nuyina.

He championed the importance of promoting the value of Antarctica and the Australian Antarctic Program, enabling visits of high level officials, including the first visit by an Australian Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AD CVO.

With a PhD in biology and a talent for photography, Dr Fleming was a passionate defender of the environment throughout his personal and professional life.

Prior to his time with the AAD, he held senior executive positions in both the Federal and New South Wales public service for more than 20 years, and in the non-government conservation sector.

The AAD offers sincere condolences to his wife Helene, step-sons Alexander and Adrian, his siblings Gillian, Martin, Tim and Josephine and their families.