A group of prominent Australians has published an open letter calling for a price on carbon to help deal with climate change.

The letter is signed by four former Australians of the year - including Professor Fiona Stanley, Ian Kiernan, Professor Pat McGorry and Sir Gustav Nossal.

It is also signed by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, the philanthopist and mother of News Corporation boss Rupert Murdoch.

Last month, Australian actress Cate Blanchett fronted an advertising campaign for a carbon price.

Professor David de Kretser, a former governor of Victoria, organised the letter and says he hopes it leads to climate change action "to ensure that we have an environment and a planet which actually is there for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren."

The letter says a carbon price is fundamental to reducing emissions and driving low-carbon technologies.

Sir Gustav says he expects to cop some criticism for publicly supporting a price on carbon.

He says he is no expert on climate change, but has followed scientific developments closely.

"I think it's important in a free and democratic country like Australia for people, who for whatever reason have achieved a little prominence in their lives, to speak out, to make their views heard, then carefully to listen to dissenting views, so the debate goes on," he said.

The group says it is confident that given the incentives, sustainable industries will flourish.