The world is increasingly faced with what might be termed existential threats – climate change, biodiversity loss, fracturing of multilateralism and social cohesion, enabled by political and ideological polarisation and mis- and disinformation. These threats have complex inter-relationships but can negatively synergise and represent a profound and urgent issue for Australia’s wellbeing in the world.

Professor Brett Sutton explores these ‘wicked problems’ and provides thoughts on how, in tackling them, we can support and revive Australia’s wellbeing as a public and global good.

Attend in person

Entry to this event is free but bookings are essential.

Complimentary refreshments will be served in the foyer following the presentation.

Watch online

The lecture will also be available online. Please make a booking and we will send you a direct link to the livestream event via email. Or you can join through the Library's YouTube channel.

About Professor Brett Sutton AO

Professor Brett Sutton is a Director at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, leading the Health & Biosecurity Research Unit, comprising over 350 researchers and support staff in areas of digital health, human health and plant, animal and environmental biosecurity.

A qualified public health physician, he brings extensive experience and clinical expertise in public health and communicable diseases, developed through roles in government, emergency medicine, and international fieldwork.

Before joining CSIRO, Brett served as Victoria’s Chief Health Officer and Chief Human Biosecurity Officer, heading the Health Protection Branch within the Victorian Department of Health.

With specialist knowledge in tropical medicine and infectious diseases, Brett has worked extensively in lower-middle-income countries and complex humanitarian settings, including in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Timor-Leste, and Fiji.

Brett’s career reflects his passion and commitment to advancing health outcomes in Australia and globally.

Professor Sutton is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health, a Fellow of the Australasian College of Tropical Medicine, and a Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (AFPHM). He is also a member of the Faculty of Travel Medicine.

About the Kenneth Myer Lecture

Established in 1990, the Kenneth Myer Lecture invites an eminent Australian to make a significant statement on a broad subject of interest to them.

The Lecture is named for Kenneth Baillieu Myer AC who was Chairman of the National Library Council from 1972 to 1982 and a long-time Friend of the Library. The Kenneth Myer Lecture is generously supported by The Myer Foundation.