NSW ministers rail against Malcolm Turnbull’s climate chair appointment

NSW ministers are railing against Malcolm Turnbull’s new $60,000 role, pointing out two potential conflicts of interest.

NSW ministers have raised concerns Matt Kean’s new climate chairman Malcolm Turnbull has a conflict of interest because he occupies two other non-government board positions relating to clean energy investment.

As a bitter cabinet feud sets in over the appointment, The Daily Telegraph has confirmed Mr Turnbull was offered $60,000 for the role as chair of the state’s Net Zero Emissions and Clean Economy board, however the ex PM has indicated to government he intends to forgo the salary and donate the amount to charity.

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Picture: AAP Image/Mick Tsikasvia NCA NewsWire

The Net Zero board is required to “provide strategic and expert advice on program design and funding proposals under the State’s inaugural $1 billion Net Zero Plan,” the Berejiklian government said in a press release announcing Mr Turnbull’s appointment last week.

However, Ministers have pointed to Mr Turnbull’s position on two other non-government boards and raised questions about whether these could result in the former PM having a conflict of interest.

Mr Turnbull was appointed in February to the International Hydropower Association’s board in a non-executive role and asked to represent the group as co-chair of the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower.

Also in February, it was announced Mr Turnbull had been appointed chairman of the Australian Fortescue Future Industries (FFI), a Fortescue subsidiary which scours the globe for clean-energy investment opportunities.

Liddell Power Station in Muswellbrook, in the NSW Hunter Valley. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

The Daily Telegraph is aware of three government ministers who have raised questions about a “real or perceived” conflict between these two roles and Mr Turnbull’s position in guiding policies and initiatives for NSW to reduce emissions.

In a statement, Mr Kean said members of the board would be “subject to the highest probity and integrity requirements including being subject to a code of conduct and will be required to disclose any pecuniary or other interest which may give rise to an actual or perceived conflict of interest”.

NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean.

“There will also be a general requirement for board members to recuse themselves from matters where a conflict of interest arises”.

Separately, at least four government ministers have had conversations about how to resolve the problem of Mr Turnbull being a key flashpoint in the Hunter by-election, after he called for a moratorium on coal approvals on radio the morning the by-election was called.

Ministers have canvassed whether Mr Kean should rethink the appointment or whether Mr Turnbull would realise he was a distraction for the government as it tried to win a crucial by-election.