The Talbot Oration - Climate Action: In Our National Interest

Doors to the Museum will open at 5.30pm. Refreshments are available for purchase in Hintze Hall before the event begins at 6.30pm.

Age: Recommended 15+ 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 shares 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 shares 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 is 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.

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 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.

Dr Cathy Foley is a globally recognized physicist and science leader, renowned for her pioneering work in superconductors and sensor technologies, including the development of LANDTEM for mineral exploration. As Australia’s ninth Chief Scientist (2021–2024), she played a key role in shaping the National Quantum Strategy and refreshing the National Science and Research Priorities. Dr Foley’s leadership extends beyond government and research institutions—she serves on the boards of CSIRO, the Bradfield Development Authority and the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub. She is also a trustee of the Australian Museum, Vice President of Scouts Australia, Chair of Standards Australia’s Quantum Technologies committee and a Mind in Residence at Questacon. She also continues to advocate for Australia’s emerging quantum industry. A champion of women in STEM and a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in science, Dr Foley continues to drive innovation, knowledge translation, and national capability in emerging technologies.

Dr Chris Briggs is the Program Lead for the Energy Futures group at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, a Technical Director for the Business Renewables Centre-Australia and board member of the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity. Chris has worked in climate and energy roles as a political adviser, policy maker and economist, leader of a regional renewable energy community engagement program and energy researcher. Key areas of research specialisation include clean energy jobs and supply chains, First Nations clean energy, demand flexibility and the integration of renewable energy and corporate renewable energy power purchase agreements.

Kim McKay is Director and CEO of the Australian Museum and is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the nation's first museum, including a collection of over 22 million natural science specimens and cultural objects. Kim was appointed the Director’s role in 2014 (the first woman in the AM’s 190+ year history) and has since initiated a broad transformation program, including overseeing Project Discover, the AM’s $57.5m award-winning renovation of public spaces.

Prior to the AM, Kim worked in the USA in senior roles for Discovery Channel and National Geographic, co-founded the Clean Up Australia and Clean Up the World campaigns and co-authored five True Green books. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Wollongong in recognition of her contribution to science, including her work on environmental and conservation issues, and an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Technology Sydney for her achievements in the community, non-profit, cultural, environmental, communications and business sectors. Kim was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2008 for distinguished service to the environment and the community.

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.

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