Former NSW Liberal Minister Matt Kean has written to the Chair of Coalition for Conservation, Larry Anthony, to submit his resignation as ambassador citing concerns that the charity is “increasingly focussed on nuclear power in the electricity system.”
“I have had concerns about the direction of (the charity) for some time, but in recent months it’s become very clear the group’s values are not conservative and it has little interest in conservation.
“The reality is that there is no feasible pathway (for nuclear power) to play any material role in helping Australia replace our coal fired power stations in line with the climate science,” said Kean, adding that large scale nuclear reactors are costly and slow to deliver.
It’s reported that the Coalition for Conservation (c4C) shift in focus in the past year, coincides with the growing involvement of patron Trevor St Baker; a former coal baron. It also reflects the position of Coalition leader Peter Dutton who has criticised the CSIRO and AEMO for their renewable energy positions. And he lacks support from many other Coalition leaders.
Trevor St Baker is the Chairman of the C4c’s Advisory Committee, a major donor to right-wing advocacy group Advance Australia and part-owner of SMR Nuclear Technology. St Baker is worth $1.2 billion according to the 2023’s Financial Review Rich List.
The Coalition for Conservation Inc is the trustee of the charitable trust known as Coalition for
Conservation. The trust’s purpose is to “protect and enhance the natural environment” by (without limitation) education to raise awareness of climate change, develop innovative ideas and solutions, encouraging wide scale public support and advocacy on environmental issues.”
C4c issued a statement stating its “commitment to environmental protection remains unwavering, and our exploration of nuclear energy stems from its potential to minimise land and biodiversity impact. It’s worth noting that many environmental organisations and think tanks globally are embracing nuclear energy as a component of a balanced energy mix.”
C4c’s 2023 financial report discloses a related party donation of $300,000 ($50,000 in 2022).
an interesting update here