Matt Kean facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Matt Kean
Kean in 2017
Chair of the Climate Change Authority
Incumbent
Assumed office 1 August 2024
Appointed by	Anthony Albanese
Preceded by	Grant King
NSW Minister 2017–⁠2023 66th Treasurer of New South Wales In office 5 October 2021 – 28 March 2023 Premier Dominic Perrottet Preceded by Dominic Perrottet Succeeded by Daniel Mookhey Minister for Energy In office 21 December 2021 – 28 March 2023 Premier Dominic Perrottet Preceded by Himself (as Minister for Energy and Environment) Succeeded by Penny Sharpe Minister for Energy and Environment In office 2 April 2019 – 21 December 2021 Premier Gladys Berejiklian Dominic Perrottet Preceded by Don Harwin (as Minister for Energy and Utilities) Gabrielle Upton (as Minister for Environment) Succeeded by Himself (as Minister for Energy) James Griffin (as Minister for Environment and Heritage) Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation In office 30 January 2017 – 2 April 2019 Premier Gladys Berejiklian Preceded by Victor Dominello Succeeded by Kevin Anderson
Deputy Leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party
In office 9 August 2022 – 26 March 2023
Leader	Dominic Perrottet
Preceded by	Stuart Ayres
Succeeded by	Natalie Ward
Member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Hornsby
In office 26 March 2011 – 2 August 2024
Preceded by	Judy Hopwood
Succeeded by	James Wallace
Personal details
Born	(1981-09-16) 16 September 1981 (age 43) Wahroonga, New South Wales, Australia
Political party	Liberal
Residence	Pennant Hills
Education	Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview
Alma mater	University of Technology Sydney
Occupation	Politician
Website	https://mattkean.com.au/

Matthew John Kean (born 16 September 1981) is an Australian politician. He is currently the Chair of the Climate Change Authority. Before this, he was a key figure in the New South Wales government.

From October 2021 to March 2023, he served as the Treasurer of New South Wales. He was also the Minister for Energy for a long time, from April 2019 to March 2023. Matt Kean was also the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party from August 2022 to March 2023. He represented the area of Hornsby in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 2011 to 2024.

Early Life and Education

Matt Kean grew up in the Wahroonga area of New South Wales. He went to Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview for his schooling. After high school, he studied at the University of Technology, Sydney. He earned a Bachelor of Business degree there.

Later, he continued his studies at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. He completed a special diploma in accounting. While at university, he was active in student life. He was elected to the UTS Student Representative Council. He also served as an executive member for the Haymarket Campus.

Starting in Politics

Matt Kean joined the Liberal Party in 2001. This was the start of his political journey. In 2008, he became the vice-president of the NSW Young Liberals. This group helps young people get involved in politics.

He gained early experience working for politicians. During the 2003 State election, he was an adviser to John Brogden. Brogden was the Leader of the Opposition at the time. Kean also worked for Catherine Cusack, who was a shadow minister. Before becoming a politician himself, he briefly worked as an accountant.

Political Career Highlights

In 2011, Matt Kean was elected to the New South Wales Parliament. He won the seat for Hornsby. This happened after the previous member, Judy Hopwood, retired. He won with a strong majority of votes.

In his first speech, Kean spoke about mental health. He asked the government to spend more on suicide prevention campaigns. He wanted these campaigns to be as important as road safety campaigns. He also hosted an annual Youth Forum. This forum helped students and teachers learn about mental health. He also helped get a new mental health facility built in Hornsby.

Important Government Roles

Matt Kean took on several important roles in the government. When Gladys Berejiklian became Premier in 2017, Kean was appointed Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation. He held this role until 2019.

After the 2019 state election, he became the Minister for Energy and Environment. This was a big role focusing on energy and protecting nature. In one of his first actions, he appointed former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to an advisory board. This board focused on reducing carbon emissions.

When Dominic Perrottet became Premier in 2021, Kean's responsibilities grew. He was chosen to be the Treasurer of New South Wales. This means he was in charge of the state's money and budget. He also continued as the Minister for Energy.

Focus on Energy and Environment

Matt Kean has been a strong voice for climate action. He believes New South Wales can stop using coal for electricity by 2030. In 2021, about 70% of the state's electricity came from coal. He has worked towards the state's goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

He is known as a moderate Liberal. This means he holds views that are often seen as central within his party. He is considered a leader of the moderate group within the New South Wales Liberals.

In June 2024, Matt Kean announced he would leave the New South Wales Parliament. He decided to move into the private sector energy industry. His resignation led to a special election in his Hornsby seat.

After Politics

Soon after leaving state politics, Matt Kean took on a new national role. On 24 June 2024, he was appointed Chair of the Climate Change Authority. This appointment was made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. In this role, he advises the Australian federal government on climate policy.

See also

• First Berejiklian ministry
• Second Berejiklian ministry
• First Perrottet ministry
• Second Perrottet ministry