Dr Hugh Saddler Memorial Lecture 2025 | The Hon. Mike Rann AC CNZM

Join us at the second Dr Hugh Saddler Memorial Lecture, featuring the Hon Mike Rann AC CNZM, former South Australian Premier and current Chair of the UK Climate Group, discussing the politics of climate ambition, the importance of courage, and lessons from South Australia’s renewable energy transformation.

When Mike Rann was elected Premier in 2002, South Australia had zero renewables; just an incoming leader ready to turn political power into clean energy. As Premier and Australia’s first Climate Change Minister - one of the first in the world - Mike and his government pioneered bold reforms that now see more than 60% of the state’s energy come from wind and solar. After Mike retired as Premier, he was appointed Chair of the Australian Government’s ‘green bank’, Low Carbon Australia Ltd. He also served as the Australian High Commissioner to London, and later Ambassador to Italy and Albania. Mr Rann was previously based in London, where Rann Strategy Group specialises in renewable energy solutions internationally.

The Dr Hugh Saddler Memorial Lecture is an address in honour of an energy transition expert and founding director of the Australia Institute, the late Dr Hugh Saddler (1943-2023). Dr Saddler profoundly influenced a generation of researchers and policymakers, and his expertise helped lay the groundwork for Australia’s renewable energy transition.

In this lecture, Mr Rann will reflect on the driving forces behind his decision to lead South Australia through a seismic change in power-generation and explain why it should be seen as a case study in how rapid renewable energy uptake can be successful. He’ll also share candid insights on Australia’s current climate policy and outline what he believes Anthony Albanese must do ahead of next year’s COP31 climate summit. Audience members will also be invited to join the discussion and pose questions to Mr Rann following his lecture.

The lecture will be MC’d by Noah Schultz-Byard, Director of Strategic Partnerships of the Australia Institute.

The Hon. Mike Rann AC CNZM | Chair, UK Climate Group & former South Australian Premier

Mike Rann is Chair of the UK Climate Group and was Premier of South Australia from 2002 to 2011. He was also Climate Change Minister, the first in Australia and one of the first in the world. When he was elected in 2002, South Australia had zero renewables. It now has more than 60% from wind and solar.

After Mike retired as Premier, the Australian Government appointed him Chair of its ‘green bank’, Low Carbon Australia Ltd.

Mr Rann was Australian High Commissioner to London, and later Ambassador to Italy and Albania. He was previously based in London, where Rann Strategy Group specialises in renewable energy solutions internationally.

About Dr Hugh Saddler

Dr Hugh Saddler was a founding director of the Australia Institute, serving on the board from 1994 to 2014 and on the Research Committee from 2001 to 2023. An alumnus of Adelaide University, Dr Saddler attained a PhD in plant cell biology and membrane physiology at Cambridge University. His academic work included roles as a research fellow at The University of Sydney’s School of Biological Sciences and Energy Research Centre and Associate Professor at the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy. Dr Saddler was a founding director of The Climate Institute and authored Energy in Australia: Politics and Economics, along with numerous book chapters, scientific papers, monographs and articles on energy, technology and environmental policy. 

Dr Saddler was a consultant in energy policy for many years, working for governments, NGOs and the private sector, and his work remains at the forefront of Australia’s climate change and energy policy. His advice was regularly sought, both on and off the record, by journalists.