Matt Kean likens climate change to WWII and Communism in valedictory speech

Former NSW energy minister Matt Kean boosted renewable energy and praised Gladys Berejiklian in his final speech to parliament.

Former energy minister Matt Kean has likened action on climate change to the fights against the Nazis and Communism in his final speech to NSW parliament.

In an emotional valedictory, Mr Kean also paid tribute to his “great friend and mentor,” former premier Gladys Berejiklian, resolutely stating her exit from politics “denied the state of one of its finest premiers and leaders”.

With former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull and his wife Lucy watching on from the public gallery, Mr Kean called for more action to tackle climate change, which he said is the “challenge of our generation”.

He likened it to fighting the Nazis in WWII and overcoming and communism during the Cold War.

“My grandparents’ generation fought for freedom in the Second World War, my parents’ generation saw off the threat of communism during the Cold War, it’s incumbent on our generation to take decisive and responsible action on climate change,” he said.

Liberal MP and former Treasurer Matt Kean giving his Valedictory Speech at NSW Parliament on Friday after resigning from politics. Picture: NewsWire

“This is the biggest challenge that will face our society and our economy in our lifetime.”

Mr Kean resigned from politics to pursue a career in green power, using his valedictory to take a final swipe at an old sparring partner.

Mr Kean has resigned from politics after 13 years. Picture: NewsWire

“It’s been 13 years since I delivered my inaugural speech to this chamber as an unknown new MP. Today, thanks to Scott Morrison, that’s no longer the case,” he quipped.

He said political leaders who ignored acting on climate change would risk grave economic consequences like increased natural disasters.

In comparison, Mr Kean said, transitioning to renewables would create more jobs and reduce electricity costs.

“For the critics who complain of an economic and financial cost from acting on climate change, let me tell you, as treasurer, I saw the catastrophic cost of not acting, the cost of rebuilding infrastructure, towns, lives and livelihoods, and there’s no comparison,” he said, citing the 2022 Lismore floods and the 2021 Black Summer bushfires.

Mr Kean became emotional when thanking his family for their support. Picture: Tim Hunter

“These natural disasters are exactly what the scientists have warned us about for decades.”

While he made no reference to nuclear energy, Mr Kean’s comments come as federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged his election run on nuclear power.

Other Liberal figures attending the speech included federal MPs Paul Fletcher, Julian Leeser and Philip Ruddock.

Mr Kean used his speech to thank former Premier Berejiklian for her “incredible leadership” and the “unshakeable belief that she had in me”.

Mr Kean used his speech to urge for more action on tackling climate change. Picture: NewsWire

Ms Berejiklian resigned as premier in 2021 amid an investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption into whether she had breached public trust while in a secret and lengthy relationship with former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire.

While the final report tabled by the watchdog last year found that she had engaged in serious corrupt conduct, it didn’t recommend criminal charges.

However, in his final words to parliament, Mr Kean maintained his support for Ms Berejiklian.

“I still regard what happened to her as a grave injustice that denied the state of one of its finest premiers and leaders, and I know that the people of NSW regard her as fondly as I do,” he said of his former moderate colleague.

“She set the standard when it came to dedication, commitment and service to the people of this state.”

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Originally published as Matt Kean likens climate change to WWII and Communism in valedictory speech