Malcolm Turnbull to head NSW climate policy board

Former PM Malcolm Turnbull has been appointed by NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean to head the state’s new climate policy board.

The appointment would be Malcolm Turnbull’s first major political post since leaving federal parliament almost three years ago. Picture: AAP

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has been appointed by NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean to head the state’s new climate policy board — despite his strident criticisms of the Liberal Party in recent months.

Mr Turnbull’s appointment to head the Net Zero Emissions and Clean Economy Board, which will oversee emissions reduction proposals for the state, was confirmed on Monday.

Mr Kean said Mr Turnbull was “ideally placed to help NSW reduce its emissions in ways that grow the economy”.

“The board will help us to drive a clean industrial revolution for NSW — providing advice on opportunities to grow the economy, create jobs of the future, support industry to develop low emissions technologies and modernise industrial processes,” Mr Kean said.

Mr Turnbull’s appointment, however, is likely to be met with scepticism from some of his one-time federal colleagues, with the former prime minister publicly criticising Scott Morrison and Industry Minister Christian Porter since his departure.

Mr Turnbull has also previously clashed with senior Berejiklian government figures including Deputy Premier John Barilaro, who in December 2017 took to radio and called on the then prime minister resign.

On Monday, Mr Barilaro said Mr Kean had approached him about Mr Turnbull’s appointment “many weeks ago, and I said then, as I say now, that Malcolm Turnbull is very much qualified for such a role”.

“I am professional enough to set aside my comments and views, which many years ago I relayed about his prime ministership, which in my mind has no bearing on this appointment,” Mr Barilaro said.

“That’s why I’m not opposed, and believe this appointment is based on Mr Turnbull’s merits.

“The world’s move to net zero emissions by 2050 will create huge economic opportunities for Australia and I intend to make sure NSW realises them,” Mr Turnbull said of his new role.

The board’s deputy chairman will be NSW chief scientist Hugh Durrant-Whyte.

Mr Kean has also clashed with the Prime Minister on emissions reductions, describing Mr Morrison’s reluctance to commit to a net-zero target by 2050 as “ridiculous”.