Pro-Green coalition backing Matt Kean

While Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean was attacked this week over his comments over climate change and new ramped up climate change emission targets, he found a friendly ally in a green lobby group set up by the wife of Liberal powerbroker Michael Photios.

A Coalition for Conservation function at NSW Parliament, with Michael Photios, Philip Ruddock, Cristina Talacko and David Nixon. Picture: Supplied

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A pro-green climate change advocacy group linked to Liberal powerbroker Michael Photios is orchestrating a ­behind-the-scenes campaign to back Energy Minister Matt Kean’s controversial push to make NSW carbon-free.

The group, Coalition for Conservation, has previously lauded Mr Kean for being a “leader” on climate change. It is asking supporters to tweet in support of him and tag Premier Gladys Berejiklian, and to write emails congratulating him on his “leadership” and to copy the praise to the Premier.

Environment minister Matt Kean talks up the return and earn scheme in front of mountains of recyclable plastic.

Mr Kean this week came under fire for blaming climate change for the bushfires, and is planning a new extreme government scheme to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 35 per cent.

Not-for-profit Coalition for Climate’s aim is “to help build a steady drum beat of voices calling for more action to address damage to our climate” by “shifting the conservative side of politics”.

Kristina Photios, the wife of factional Liberal heavyweight Michael Photios, founded the group and is a former director. Mr and Ms Photios are directors of a government relations firm specialising in renewable energy clients.

Last week Mr Photios attended the Coalition for Conservation’s Christmas drinks.

A group spokeswoman yesterday denied it was running a “campaign” supporting Mr Kean, but said “we are asking people to motivate the government” on climate change.

Mr Photios said he had never held formal roles with Coalition for Conservation, but “I support the Coalition government’s announcement … for stronger action on climate change; consistent with the position taken by C4C”.

Originally published as Pro-Green coalition backing Matt Kean