The Talbot Oration: Climate Action - in Our National Interest

  • Category
    At the Museum
  • Published
    06 June 2025
  • Read time
    2 minutes

How can bold climate action shape a brighter future for Australia? The Australian Museum’s 2025 Talbot Oration featured keynote speaker the Hon 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 shared 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.

"We are the last generation that will experience the world as we know it today. The last to experience the tropical wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, summers uninterrupted by life threatening storms, and the awe of wild places before they succumb irrevocably to the ravages of fire and intolerable heat." The Hon Matt Kean, Chair of The Climate Change Authority

Watch the Talbot Oration: Climate Action, In Our National Interest

In his Talbot Oration at the Australian Museum, Matt Kean shared 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 was joined by Australia's Former Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM, and Dr Chris Briggs, Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, in a discussion and audience Q&A hosted by Australian Museum Director and CEO Kim McKay AO.

Talbot Oration 2025 Panelists
Chair of The Climate Change Authority, Matt Kean, with Australia’s former Chief Scientist Cathy Foley AO and Dr Chris Briggs, Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney, and the Australian Museum's Director & CEO, Kim McKay AO. Image: Mel Koutchavlis
© Australian Museum
Talbot Oration 2025
Chair of The Climate Change Authority, The Hon. 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. Image: Mel Koutchavlis
© Australian Museum
Talbot Oration 2025
Chair of The Climate Change Authority, The Hon. 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. Image: Mel Koutchavlis
© Australian Museum
Talbot Oration 2025
Chair of The Climate Change Authority, The Hon. 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. Image: Mel Koutchavlis
© Australian Museum

The Hon 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

Named in honour of former Australian Museum Director Professor Frank Talbot, this annual oration celebrates Talbot’s commitment to, and achievements in marine research and environmental studies in Australia and on the global stage.

The Talbot Oration will showcase 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.