The news recently was that Matt Kean has quit politics, pursuing work in the private sector and vacating his Member seat in Hornsby after a 13-year-long stint. That’s what we all thought, but, like a classic film twist, the idea of a departing Matt Kean is no longer the case, as Kean was back in front of the media on Monday the 24th, a week later may we add with a pretty new position under the Albanese government.
When news broke of Matt Kean’s departure from state politics after a long tenure with the Liberal Party, many assumed his political career had come to an end. However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed Kean to chair the Climate Change Authority in a bold move that crosses party lines.
It is rather peculiar that Kean somehow landed this Climate gig so quickly after he resigned from parliament on June 18th, to face the press grinning alongside Albanese six days later on the 24th. Could this decision be one of last-minute and sheer brilliance from the Prime Minister? And is the Australian public so on the fence about climate policy that seeing Kean in his new position suddenly makes them less of a climate sceptic, surely not.
The announcement sparked immediate controversy within the Coalition ranks. Critics have had their share of opinions, labelling Kean’s acceptance of the role as “treacherous,” questioning his loyalty and suggesting he should have aligned with the Labor Party long ago.
In response, Kean emphasised his commitment to serving all Australians and addressing global challenges through public service. Prime Minister Albanese defended the appointment, highlighting Kean’s qualifications to advise on crucial emissions reduction targets under the Paris Agreement.
Despite the political uproar, Kean’s appointment could also be viewed through the lens of an evolving landscape of Australian politics, where individuals can transcend party affiliations in pursuit of a broader goal. Or the former Member for Hornsby is just simply keen to get back in the limelight of Aussie politics.
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