The Hon. Matt Kean, Chair of Climate Change Authority, Confirmed for Sustainability Business Live 2026

A Defining Voice for Australia’s Economic Transition

Sustainability Business Live is proud to announce The Hon. Matt Kean, Chair of the Climate Change Authority (CCA), as a headline speaker for the 2026 trade show and conference in Melbourne.

As the primary advisor to the Federal Government on climate policy, Matt Kean’s participation marks a critical moment for the event. His presence ensures that attendees – ranging from ASX-listed leaders to mid-market decision-makers – receive direct insight into the regulatory and economic roadmaps that will define the next decade of Australian business.

From Policy Vision to Commercial Reality

The intersection of financial pragmatism and climate ambition has defined Matt Kean’s career. As the former Treasurer and Energy Minister of New South Wales, he pioneered the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, a 20-year plan that successfully integrated renewable energy targets with private sector investment and lower energy costs for businesses.

Now leading the Climate Change Authority, Kean is responsible for advising on Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction targets (set at 62–70%) and the ongoing evolution of the Safeguard Mechanism. His perspective is essential for any business leader seeking to understand:

• The transition from climate ambition to capital mobilisation.
• How national policy will impact sector-specific decarbonisation pathways.
• The role of independent, evidence-based advice in shaping long-term business certainty.

Bridging the Gap: What Matt Kean Will Address

At Sustainability Business Live 2026, Matt Kean will move beyond high-level policy to discuss the “how” of the transition. His sessions will focus on the frameworks that allow businesses to turn climate risk into competitive advantage.

1. Policy Durability and Investment Certainty

Institutional capital responds to cash flows, not just targets. Kean will discuss how the CCA is working to create policy durability – the stable environment necessary for boards to deploy private capital towards large-scale sustainability projects.

2. Australia’s 2035 Targets: The Business Roadmap

With the 2035 emissions targets now firmly established, Kean will outline the Climate Change Authority’s role in monitoring progress. This session is vital for ESG managers needing to align their internal corporate strategies with the national trajectory.

3. Decarbonisation as Industrial Competitiveness

Kean has long argued that the energy transition is a multi-decade growth story. He will frame climate action as a matter of economic leadership, discussing how Australian businesses can lead in energy sovereignty and supply chain security through electrification and resource efficiency.

The Authority on Australia’s Sustainable Future

As the Chair of the Climate Change Authority, Matt Kean sits at the heart of the national conversation regarding COP31 and Australia’s role as a renewable energy superpower. His involvement adds a layer of strategic authority to the Sustainability Business Live speaker lineup, offering a rare opportunity for corporate leaders to hear directly from the nation’s chief climate advisor.

Who Should Attend?

This session is specifically designed for decision-makers who require a clear view of the regulatory horizon:

• CFOs and Finance Leaders looking for clarity on carbon pricing and capital deployment.
• Sustainability & ESG Managers aligning corporate goals with the 62–70% national target.
• Operations & Energy Managers seeking to understand the grid’s evolution and electrification incentives.

Join the Conversation in Melbourne

The addition of The Hon. Matt Kean further solidifies Sustainability Business Live as the most important gathering for corporate Australia in 2026. Taking place on the 3rd & 4th of June 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, this event is where policy, technology, and commercial strategy converge.

Register Your Interest for Sustainability Business Live 2026 to secure your place at the forefront of Australia’s sustainability transition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the role of the Climate Change Authority (CCA)?

The CCA is an independent statutory body that provides expert advice to the Australian Government on climate change policy, including emissions reduction targets and the effectiveness of the Safeguard Mechanism.

Will Matt Kean discuss specific industry regulations?

While his focus is on national policy frameworks, his insights will cover the broad regulatory expectations for energy-intensive industries and the financial sectors supporting the transition.

How does this session relate to the mandatory reporting requirements?

As a key advisor on climate policy, Matt Kean’s insights into national targets directly inform the “materiality” and “transition plans” that businesses must now include in their mandatory sustainability disclosures.