Last week, we gathered on Gadigal Country to host the Australian Sustainable Finance Summit, bringing together experts, leaders, and changemakers committed to shaping a sustainable financial future. This year’s theme, Catalysing Ambition into Action, set the tone for a day packed with rich discussions, new ideas, and bold visions for Australia’s sustainable finance future.

The day began with a Welcome to Country from Uncle Lloyd, who graciously shared his knowledge and culture. Opening remarks from Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones underscored the government’s ongoing commitment to sustainable finance, while NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey highlighted regional action at the state level. Colin le Duc then reflected on two decades of sustainable finance progress, emphasising the urgent need for ambitious and science-aligned action, in line with our 2024 Summit theme

“Sustainable investing is your fiduciary duty” – Colin le Duc

The State of Sustainable Finance in Australia

Our opening panel discussed progress and challenges in Australia’s sustainable finance landscape. Sarah Samson, Alison Chan, Darren Godwell, and Alix Pearce reflected on milestones from the past year and outlined actionable steps for overcoming barriers. This session emphasised the importance of steady cross-sector collaboration to maintain momentum.

First Nations and Finance

Unlocking capital to support economic self-determination for First Nations communities is essential to building a sustainable financial system. Te Pūoho Katene delivered a powerful keynote on the transformative potential when First Nations communities control of their economic futures. He then joined Stephanie King, Albert Wiggan, and Rekeesha Fry for a session highlighting the importance of equitable First Nations partnerships. Panellists highlighted how First Nations can transition from stakeholders to shareholders through equity stakes in projects, which not only provide capital but the opportunity to develop the skillsets needed to make more informed decisions and access an equal seat at the table, and through embedding First Nations principles and values at a systems-level.

“If I’m being a good ancestor, I value a dollar for my grandchild over a dollar for myself.” – Te Pūoho Katene

Spotlight on Financial Innovation

In our Innovative Finance session, the spotlight was on breakthrough solutions that mobilise capital for sustainability. Frank Richter and Helen Bobiwash shared insights from Canada’s Indigenous Growth Fund, illustrating how targeted financial instruments can drive inclusive economic growth and self-determination for First Nations communities. Professor Durreen Shahnaz’s keynote on blended finance emphasised its power to foster inclusive development and empowering underserved communities. This was followed by a panel featuring Professor Shahnaz, Katharine Tapley, Lori Kerr, and Nicholas Mant who explored blended finance models that could transform sustainable investment across Australia and the Asia-Pacific.

"The power of true blended finance is that it creates a safe environment for investment to tap into the back streets of communities and connect them to the ‘Wall Streets’ of the world” - Durreen Shahnaz

In Conversation with Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP

Off the back of the Global Nature Positive Summit in October, Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek joined us for a fireside chat, where she emphasised Australia’s potential to lead in global nature-positive initiatives.

She highlighted the government’s new Nature Positive Matters program, which aims to channel private investment into nature restoration, and underscored First Nations’ central role in steering Australia toward a climate-resilient, net-zero future.

"Australia, as a trusted middle power...can play a leadership role, not just keep up with the pack” – Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP

Investing in Nature

Investing in nature proved to be a powerful resilience strategy against climate change. Emily Simso, Davina Rooney, Jurre Smits, Craig North, and Cherie Gray discussed how nature-based investments enhance biodiversity, sequester carbon, and support communities in adapting to climate change. This session underscored that nature-positive investments do more than preserve ecosystems—they create a ripple effect of resilience for the economy and society.

The Role of Policy

With the window for impactful climate action narrowing, the Global Stocktake at COP28 highlighted an urgent need for policy alignment to limit global warming to 1.5-degrees. Guy Debelle, Luke Yeaman, Rebecca Blurton, and Nathan Fabian explored how effective policy frameworks can unlock private capital for decarbonisation, positioning Australia as a global frontrunner in sustainable finance.

The Great Debate

In a thrilling end to our 2024 Summit, Lori Kerr, Hanna Ebeling, Anna Skarbek, Darren Godwell, Creel Price and Dureen Shahnaz debated the critical question of whether governments should bankroll positive social and environmental outcomes to drive sustainable progress. We heard that, to address the scale and urgency of our sustainability goals, we need both the public and private sectors to work together to support our social and environmental goals.

Wrapping Up the 2024 Summit

Though our 2024 Summit has concluded, the inspiration and insights gathered will drive ongoing action. From bold policy to powerful innovative finance solutions, we covered practical steps to propel Australia toward a sustainable financial future. A heartfelt thanks to our speakers, attendees, and sponsors for their contributions to the event’s success.

If you’d like to stay connected with ASFI’s work, subscribe to our newsletter here.

We’re excited to keep these conversations going throughout the year and look forward to seeing you at our next Summit on July 30, 2025!

Catalysing Ambition into Action: Highlights from the Australian Sustainable Finance Summit 2024