Matt Kean Delivers Climate Action Message at the Australian Museum's 5th Annual Talbot Oration
Sydney, Wednesday, 4 June – Chair of The Climate Change Authority, Matt Kean, will show how climate action will shape a brighter future for Australia at the Australian Museum's (AM) fifth annual Talbot Oration to be attended by 400 guests, on Wednesday 4 June, 2025.
Showcasing advances in the field of climate change research and environmental conservation, the AM’s Talbot Oration was established to honour the late Professor Frank Talbot AM, a former Australian Museum Director, and celebrate his achievements in marine research and environmental studies around the world.
Australian Museum Director and CEO, Kim McKay AO, said the Talbot Oration is an important platform for advancing public understanding of climate science and solutions.
"As the cornerstone event of the AM’s Climate Solutions Centre, the Talbot Oration brings together the public to hear from leaders in environmental sector, reflecting the AM’s role as a leading scientific institution and forum for important conversations about the impacts of climate change.
"The Climate Change Authority’s Matt Kean will deliver the fifth annual Talbot Oration, sharing the significant opportunities and advantages that Australia is poised to capitalise on in developing and implementing the initiatives that will enable net zero,” Ms McKay said.
In his address titled Climate Action: In Our National Interest, Matt Kean, former NSW Treasurer and Environment and Energy Minister, will share how Australia's abundant solar and wind energy can be harnessed to successfully halt climate damage from fossil fuel industries.
“Australia is in a very strong position to lead the world in renewable energy, and in doing so create more jobs and prosperity for our country. Climate change is not going to wait, and we can reorientate industry and society more generally to meet this challenge,” Mr Kean said.
Following the keynote address, Mr Kean will be joined by Australia’s former Chief Scientist Cathy Foley AO and Dr Chris Briggs, Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney, for a panel discussion and Q&A session.
The 2025 Talbot Oration will be held in the Australian Museum's Hintze Hall, with the event starting at 6:30pm. The event is free to attend, but registration is required online due to limited space (now sold out).
© Australian Museum
The Talbot Oration is supported by Vivid Sydney and includes live captioning for accessibility.
In addition to events like the Talbot Oration, the AM’s Climate Solutions Centre also engages the public through exhibitions, workshops and digital resources.
“We established the Climate Solutions Centre to not only research the latest climate science, but to also communicate effectively to the public about the latest scientific and technological discoveries.
“As part of the Talbot Oration, the AM will also announce a new partnership with the Australian Associated Press to carry a feed of the latest environmental and climate news on our website and within the Museum,” Ms McKay said.
Visit the Australian Museum website at australian.museum for more information and to register for the 2025 Talbot Oration.
ENDS
EVENT DETAILS
- What: 2025 Talbot Oration featuring Matt Kean
- When: Wednesday 4 June 2025, 6:30pm - 8:00pm (doors open at 5:30pm for refreshments)
- Where: Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney NSW 2010, Hintze Hall
- Cost: Free (registration required)
- Accessibility: Live captioned
- Recommended ages: 12+ years
- For more information and to register visit: australian.museum
© Australian Museum
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ABOUT THE TALBOT ORATION
The Australian Museum's Talbot Oration showcases advances in the field of climate change research and environmental conservation, enabling the public to better understand how responses to climate challenge determine our future prospects, health, and the sustainability of our natural environment. Named in honour of former Australian Museum Director Professor Frank Talbot AM, the annual oration celebrates Talbot's achievements in, marine research and environmental studies in Australia and on the global stage.
ABOUT MATT KEAN
Matt Kean was appointed as Chair of The Climate Change Authority on 5 August 2024 for a term of five years. He was previously the Member for Hornsby in the NSW Parliament from 2011 until 2 August 2024. Matt was most recently the NSW Shadow Minister for Health. He was Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberal party from August 2022- March 2023. Throughout his 13-year political career, Matt also held ministries of Innovation and Better Regulation, Treasury, Energy and Environment. As Treasurer and Energy Minister of NSW, Matt championed climate action that is in the best interests of households and businesses. In 2020, he delivered the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap: A 20-year plan for NSW's energy infrastructure. The roadmap spurs private investment in renewable energy while reducing emissions and power bills for the people of NSW. Matt commenced in the role of Director, Regulatory Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at Wollemi Capital on 15 August 2024. Matt studied a Bachelor of Business at the University of Technology Sydney and is a Chartered Accountant by profession.
ABOUT THE CLIMATE CHANGE AUTHORITY
The Climate Change Authority is a statutory body established under the Climate Change Authority Act 2011 to provide independent, evidence-based advice to the Australian Government on climate change policy. The authority is made up of a Chair, the Chief Scientist and up to 7 other members. The Authority plays an important role in the governance of Australia's climate change mitigation policies, including by providing advice on:
- the preparation of the Annual Climate Change Statement to Parliament
- greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets to be included in new or adjusted nationally determined contributions (NDC).
The Authority also undertakes reviews of the Carbon Credit (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011 (Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme), the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007, including the Safeguard Mechanism, and other matters as requested by the Minister for Climate Change or the Australian Parliament.
ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM
The Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is the nation's first museum. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture institution focused on Australia and the Pacific. The AM's mission is to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change. The AM's vision is to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. The AM commits to transforming the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; to being a strong advocate for First Nations cultures; and to continuing to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs. With 22 million objects and specimens and the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM is not only a dynamic source of reliable scientific information on some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing our region, but also an important site of cultural exchange and learning.
