Conflict of interest perceptions mean Matt Kean should choose between his job as chairman of the federal government’s Climate Change Authority or working for a private energy transition fund led by a former Macquarie banker, a former top public servant and a fan of the ex-NSW treasurer says.
Wollemi Capital stands to make millions of dollars from investing in carbon credits – the same emissions offsets generated from carbon farming that the authority advises the government on and over which it influences the value.””
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In estimates I asked Matt Kean why he thinks there isn’t a conflict of interest in being paid by both the taxpayers and renewable rent seekers Wollemi.
He justifies his conflict by saying he disclosed it.
That’s like saying I’m going to rob a bank but if I disclose it first I can go ahead and rob the bank.
What’s even more amazing is how the media say nothing when it’s their mates engaging in this sort of behaviour.
Kean and Chris Bowen should be referred to the NACC for this sort of behaviour.
Then I ask him if he’s spoken with Lobbyists. At first he says no but then goes on to say he’s spoken with government relations people of stakeholders. These people are glorified lobbyists who are employed full time by big corporations to constantly lobby the government for handouts.
And finally I asked if he spoke with Michael Photios, one of the biggest lobbyists in Australia who once told me at the North Sydney Leagues club he could make me a politician if I wanted to become one due to his influence in the Liberal Party.
Photios and Keen are both from the left faction in NSW, the faction that controls the Liberal Party and is responsible for it going woke.
It’s a sad reflection on the two major parties that they cannot engage in ethical behaviour when it comes to spending taxpayer dollars.
Quote from:
https://www.afr.com/policy/energy-and-climate/kean-urged-to-quit-climate-job-over-obvious-conflict-of-interests-20240813-p5k229
Environment and Communications Legislation Committee
04/11/2024
Estimates
CLIMATE CHANGE, ENERGY, THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER PORTFOLIO
Climate Change Authority
Senator RENNICK: Mr Kean, regardless of whether or not you disclose something, if you’re being paid by Wollemi Capital, surely that’s an inherent conflict of interest.
Mr Kean: As I said, there are processes to manage pecuniary interests. They apply to senators. They apply to government officials. They apply to me as well, and I will operate within those very strong legislated guidelines.
Senator RENNICK: That doesn’t answer the question. It’s still a conflict of interest, is it not?
Mr Kean: No. I’ve declared a pecuniary interest. A pecuniary interest doesn’t necessarily give rise to a conflict of interest. The operations of the firm I work with are considered by the authority. Advice is taken from chief legal counsel as to whether or not a conflict could arise. If a conflict could arise based on a certain decision or advice provided by the climate authority, then there are methods to deal with that and manage that conflict. There is a process in place to manage pecuniary interests. Should a conflict arise, then of course appropriate measures are put in place. That’s common practice. They’re the same ones that apply to senators, for example.
Senator RENNICK: What about your relationship with lobbyists? Do you still speak with lobbyists, for example? Do you have a relationship with lobbyists?
Mr Kean: Have I spoken to lobbyists since I started in the Climate Change Authority role? I’m not aware of any stakeholder meetings with lobbyists. I’m happy to check my records to confirm that to the Senate, but I don’t believe I’ve taken any meetings directly with lobbyists. That said, I have met with a broad range of stakeholders who bring their government relations people. Whether they’re in house or out of house I’m not too sure. But just for an abundance of caution, I’m not specifically aware of meeting with a lobbyist. If I’m wrong, I’m happy to correct the house.
Senator RENNICK: The lobbyist I’m interested in is Michael Photios, because I’m well aware that he has a lot of clients. He’s a very influential player in the New South Wales Liberal Party. He told me that himself. I just want to make sure there’s no relationship.
Mr Kean: I haven’t met with Mr Photios. I’m not sure I’ve spoken to Mr Photios since I was appointed to the role.
Senator RENNICK: No worries.
