The Talbot Oration 2025
Matt Kean, Chair of The Climate Change Authority, will take the stage as the 2025 Talbot Oration speaker, bringing his bold vision on climate action to the forefront.
Hear from Matt Kean, Chair of The Climate Change Authority in this year’s Talbot Oration.
Image: Supplied© Matt Kean
Doors to the Museum will open at 5.30pm. Please enjoy refreshments in Hintze Hall before the event begins at 6.30pm.
Age: Recommended 12+ years
How can bold climate action shape a brighter future for Australia? Join us for the Australian Museum’s 2025 Talbot Oration, featuring keynote speaker Matt Kean, Chair of The Climate Change Authority, and a driving force behind some of Australia’s most progressive climate policies.
As the world works to slash emissions and grow new green industries, few countries have as much to gain as Australia.
In this year’s oration, Matt Kean will share insights on the scientific and technological developments that will make net zero possible, and the opportunities ahead for Australian communities and industries in a rapidly decarbonising global economy.
He will share reflections on public leadership in a time of escalating climate impacts, and the importance of strong, independent and evidence-based advice in shaping climate action in the national interest to ensure lasting change. Following his address, Matt will be joined by an expert panel on stage for a live Q&A with the audience.
The Talbot Oration is free to attend, but spaces are limited.
Donate to the Australian Museum’s Frank Talbot Memorial Fund. Your donation will support vital climate research initiatives allowing us to expand the scope and scale of positive public engagement around climate solutions. Donate today.
Matt Kean
Matt Kean was appointed as Chair of The Climate Change Authority on 5 August 2024 for a term of 5 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 Talbot Oration
© Australian Museum
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 the 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, the annual oration celebrates Talbot’s commitment to, and achievements in, marine research and environmental studies in Australia and on the global stage.
