Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s new climate change secretary will reel in a $930,000 (US$609,000) a year salary, according to recently released remuneration files.
Albanese revealed he would be recommending to Governor-General Sam Mostyn that Mike Kaiser become the new secretary of the Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water department.
A 2025 remuneration tribunal document (pdf) dated June 18 reveals the secretary will earn between $932,120 and $983,910 per year.
Only the secretaries of the Treasury, and the Prime Minister and Cabinet, attract a higher salary within the public service, on more than $1 million annually.
Kaiser previously worked as state secretary of the Queensland Labor Party from 1993 to 2000 before serving a short stint as the Labor MP of Woodridge in Logan City until 2001.
He also served as the chief of staff to former New South Wales (NSW) Labor Premier Morris Iemma and former Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, according to his LinkedIn profile. Most recently, Kaiser was director general of the Department of Premier and Cabinet under the Queensland Labor government, before he was replaced by current Premier David Crisafulli.
Reacting to news of his new role, Kaiser said the “path ahead was worth the wait.”
“A consequential agenda. Passionate stakeholders. An outstanding team. High expectations. A lot to deliver. Thank you to those who stayed in touch over recent months. I’ve appreciated it. Back to work, now for the people of Australia,” Kaiser said.
Opposition Not Impressed with Appointment
Opposition Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan has raised concerns about public sector independence given Kaiser’s Labor background.
“Our public service is critically important, not only must it be independent it must be seen to be independent,” he told Sky News Australia.
“Anthony Albanese appointing a former state secretary of the Queensland Labor Party and former Labor MP as the head of a department will bring the independence of the public service into question.
Tehan said people would now look at every act of the Climate Department and ask, “Is that what’s best for Australia or what’s best for the Labor Party?”
However, Prime Minister Albanese has stood by Kaiser’s credentials, noting his high level of experience.
“Mr. Kaiser has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors including in senior roles in the Queensland public service,” he said in a statement.
“Mr. Kaiser’s experience includes delivering on large scale projects, administering complex regulatory regimes and leading the Queensland government’s policies on planning and infrastructure.”
He will commence his position on July 14 for a five year period.
