The Labor Government has appointed former NSW State Liberal Minister Matt Kean as the new chair of the Climate Change Authority. The former Treasurer and Energy Minister will advise the Government on energy policy, amidst ongoing debate over renewable and nuclear energy solutions.

Canberra

Former New South Wales State Liberal Minister Matt Kean has been appointed as the new chair of the Climate Change Authority by the Labor Government. Kean, who previously served as Treasurer and Energy Minister, is known for his vocal advocacy on climate change. During his tenure, he implemented significant renewable energy policies in NSW with support from the Nationals.

In his new role, Kean will advise the Federal Government on energy policy amidst ongoing discussions surrounding renewable and nuclear energy solutions. While he has faced criticism from Conservatives within his party, Kean supports focusing on renewables as the most cost-effective energy option for Australia.

The announcement comes shortly after Peter Dutton revealed potential nuclear plant sites, highlighting differing views within the Liberal Party on energy policies. Kean's appointment, expected to increase his salary, may also carry political implications, reminding the public of the internal party divide on nuclear energy.

The position needed to be filled and Kean's background in implementing renewable energy initiatives positions him as a significant player in steering Australia's energy future. 



Former Liberal Minister named as new Climate chief

ultimate power play. The government has poached a prominent Liberal to chair the Climate Change Authority. Matt Keane is an outstanding appointment for this job. Matt Keane is a former Treasurer and Energy Minister in New South Wales. He's long been outspoken on climate change and produced landmark policy of renewable energy zones in his state with the National's support. In his new job he'll advise the Federal Government. We have an opportunity to deliver families some of the cheapest electricity bills anywhere in the world but we've got to get it right. The views of the moderate Liberal power broker have made him unpopular with the Conservatives in his party. Here he is in Dubai with the Federal Energy Minister Chris Bone at the United Nations Climate Conference COP28 late last year. Upon his return he sat down with 10 News First to talk about being at odds with his federal coalition colleagues over nuclear saying Australians would have to wait too long for it. We've got to also focus on what's the right thing to set our country and our economy up for even greater success and right now we know that the cheapest form of energy is firmed renewables. Today he was more circumspect. Do you think what Mr Dutton is doing right now is undermining investment in renewables in Australia? Look I'll let the Prime Minister answer questions with regard to the politics. Matt Keane only announced he was stepping away from state politics last Tuesday the day before Peter Dutton announced the nuclear plant sites. He didn't resign before his new position was announced. It'll be a pay rise from his opposition MP salary. It's expected to be between $300,000 and $400,000. The position needed to be filled but this appointment serves a number of political purposes. It's no doubt been done to get under Peter Dutton's skin but it's also a reminder to the public that not all Liberals are on board with the nuclear plan as the debate plays out. So what is the total cost of the government's energy plan? Order. Well you've got to hand it to the Leader of the Opposition. At a time when the rest of us are working to get power bills down he's picked the one option guaranteed to push power prices up. Ashley Raper for 10 News Verse.

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Tehran

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Paris

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London

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Jerusalem

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Idaho

U.S. Supreme Court allows emergency abortions in Idaho

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Julian Assange freed

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Yekaterinburg

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Julian Assange is free and back on home soil in Australia after a 14-year battle. It is unknown if he will return to WikiLeaks; his wife Stella Assange says it will take time for him to heal from the ordeal and come to terms with his freedom. The Prime Minister was on the phone with him as soon as he landed.

Julian Assange lands in Australia, speaks to PM

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange walked free from a court on the U.S. Pacific island territory of Saipan after pleading guilty to violating U.S. espionage law in a deal that allowed him to head straight home to Australia.