Can Obama deliver on inauguration promises?

The address at the start of his second term in office urges bold action in areas including social equity, climate change, gay rights, gun control and foreign policy.

Some hope it's a sign of courage on politically sensitive issues he's been unwilling to tackle in the past.

Senior lecturer in International Relations at Melbourne's Deakin Unversity, Doctor Scott Burchill, told Kristina Kukolja only time will tell if the American president will be able to turn words into action.