The former NSW treasurer, Matt Kean has made a major announcement about his career in politics amid speculation the moderate powerbroker will make a play for federal parliament.
A battle could be brewing between the Federal and New South Wales Liberal parties over nuclear power.
Shadow Treasurer and former Energy Minister Angus Taylor has criticised state moderate MP Matt Kean, for suggesting nuclear is not a feasible option for Australia.
Matt Kean claims there is no practical pathway for nuclear to play a role in helping Australia replace coal-fired power stations in line with climate science.
Mr Kean believes the Coalition has been “increasingly focused on nuclear power” rather than renewables.
Angus Taylor has said that “Labor’s renewable only madness will fail”.
Mr Kean has been the state member for Hornsby for 13 years.
Supported in person by his partner and young son at a press conference on Tuesday, the state MP revealed that he would not be pursing a career in federal politics, despite recent speculation that he was going challenge Paul Fletcher for the seat of Bradfield.
NSW Liberal Matt Kean MP, with son Tom and partner Wendy Paterson, announces he will retire from politics to pursue a job in the private sector. Picture: James O’Doherty
“Thank you for coming out and I’m sorry to take you away from the worst New South Wales budget in modern history, but I’ve got another announcement to make,” he told media.
“Today, after 13 years as the member for Hornsby, I’ll be retiring from parliament.
“I feel I made significant changes or positive changes in energy policy during my time as the minister. So I intend on continuing to try and make an impact in the energy industry in the private sector.”
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Mr Kean thanked his partner Wendy and his children, as well as his parents and siblings for their “incredible love and support”.
The veteran MP thanked the liberal party, vowing to “fight to make sure liberal governments are elected at the local, state and federal level”.
Mr Kean served as the Treasurer of New South Wales for just under two years during Dominic Perrottet’s second ministry.
He was also the Minister for Energy between 2019 and 2023 and has served as the Shadow Minister for Health since 2023.
Acting as a leading moderate within the NSW Liberal party, Mr Kean is an outspoken critic of climate denialism and has campaigned for greater national action on climate change.