Former Liberal NSW state treasurer and energy minister, Matt Kean, has been appointed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to chair the Climate Change Authority. This decision comes shortly after Kean announced his departure from the NSW Parliament to pursue a career in the energy sector. Despite previously showing support for small modular nuclear reactors, Kean has now expressed strong opposition to the technology, which has caused disagreement among other Liberal members.
The Climate Change Authority, established in 2012, is a government body that conducts research and provides advice on implementing climate policy in Australia. Its responsibilities include advising on greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, the carbon farming initiative, and the climate safeguard mechanism. The safeguard mechanism, supported by the Australian Greens, requires large emitters to limit their net emissions below a baseline limit.
However, concerns have been raised about this legislation potentially stifling gas investment, increasing production prices, and impacting Australian businesses. It is important to consider these potential consequences when implementing climate policies.
Prime Minister Albanese believes that Kean is the ideal candidate to lead the authority due to his understanding of the importance of renewable energy. Albanese states that Kean recognizes the negative implications of abandoning the transition to renewables and understands the need for certainty in order to encourage business investment. Kean’s experience as a former NSW treasurer and his dedication to making a difference for future generations make him well-suited for this role.
While serving as NSW minister, Kean considered nuclear energy as an option but ultimately decided against it due to economic concerns. He did not want to burden the state with excessive costs. However, in 2022, Kean described small modular nuclear reactors as exciting technology that could be explored if commercially available. This shift in stance has caused some controversy within the Coalition.
The Coalition’s push for nuclear energy has been met with opposition from Kean and others. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has promised to build seven nuclear power plants by 2050 if he wins the next election. However, Kean’s appointment highlights a divergence of opinion within the Liberal Party regarding the role of nuclear energy in Australia’s energy mix.
Some critics have called for Kean’s resignation from the Liberal Party due to his conflicting position on nuclear power. In July, Kean stepped down from the Coalition for Conservation (C4C), an environmental group, due to disagreements over nuclear power.
In his new role as the head of the Climate Change Authority, Kean’s responsibility is to provide evidence-based advice to the government. This includes considering engineering, economic, and scientific evidence when making decisions. Kean emphasizes the need to base decisions on facts in order to effectively address climate change.
Overall, Kean’s appointment as chair of the Climate Change Authority signifies a shift in focus towards renewable energy and a potential reassessment of the role of nuclear power in Australia’s energy future. It remains to be seen how this will impact the government’s policies and plans regarding climate change and energy generation.
