National Press Club – Powering Australia’s Future
Australia faces an uncertain path, but its opportunities have never been greater. To realise them, government, industry and workers must navigate geopolitical upheaval, technological change, trade disruption and supply shocks that threaten competitiveness and living standards.
Energy is the common thread linking Australia’s industrial challenges, and the future of our energy systems will determine the scale of our economic success.
On 3 June 2026, Alison Pennington, the McKell Institute’s inaugural Chief Economist, and Michael Wright, National Secretary of the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), addressed the National Press Club to share their vision to Power Australia’s Future.
The address argued that the current moment demands Australian ambition, innovation and conviction on par with post-World War II reconstruction.
Alongside a landmark report from the McKell Institute, it made the case for a publicly owned renewable energy platform powering Australian industry and workers to success in a shifting global economic order.
Watch the full National Press Club address
Read the McKell Institute’s full report: Powering Australia’s Future
EVENT DATE
3 June 2026
LOCATION
National Press Club - 16 National Circuit, Barton, Canberra, ACT, 2600