Bowen and Albanese appoint Snake Matt Kean as Labor's Climate Change Authority Chair
The Albanese Government will appoint The Honourable Matt Kean as Chair of the Climate Change Authority (CCA), following the resignation of current Chair Mr Grant King.
The Authority is an independent statutory body that provides expert advice to the Australian Government on climate change policy.
The CCA’s advice is vital for reaping the full benefits of the energy transition for every household and business and for delivering new, well-paid jobs.
As a former NSW Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Environment, Mr Kean is uniquely qualified to lead the CCA.
As Treasurer and Energy Minister of Australia’s largest state, Mr Kean was a prominent proponent of action on climate that is in the best interests of households and businesses.
Mr Kean not only understands the importance of strong action on climate. He also understands the complexities of the transition and the need to carefully design policies and focus on practical implementation to ensure real emissions reductions.
Mr Kean will replace Mr King, who will resign to focus on other roles after more than three years as Chair of the CCA.
Mr King has led the restoration of the CCA under the Albanese Government, including the establishment of Annual Progress Advice to the Minister. Mr King has also led legislative reviews of the Carbon Credits Act and the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme, and a number of CCA-initiated reports on responses to climate change.
Mr King will deliver the CCA’s advice on sectoral decarbonisation pathways to support Australia’s transition to net zero, due by August 1, before his resignation takes effect in early August.
The Government thanks Mr King for his service to the CCA and looks forward to continuing to work with him on shared priorities.
The Government has also appointed Ms Patty Akopiantz as a Member of the Authority.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
“The energy transition is a huge opportunity for our nation to create jobs, grow our economy and lower power prices.
“My Government’s approach is focussed on reducing emissions while creating maximum benefits for Australian families and households.
“We are proud to appoint Mr Kean today for this important role and as part of the expert team that will deliver these benefits for our economy.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen
“Good climate and energy policy is good economic policy – the Albanese Government gets that and so does Matt Kean.
“Our ambitious but achievable policies are ensuring our approach is credible and delivers benefits for all Australians. The Climate Change Authority is critical to this agenda.
“I thank Grant King for his leadership of the Climate Change Authority, which has seen the Authority restored to its proper role in supporting the Government’s responsible climate goals.
“Matt Kean’s time in public office was marked by reform and the ability to bring people from across the political spectrum with him for the good of the community.”
