Griffin’s parents stressed community and participation as a way of life growing up. Griffin says that there has always been a sense in Griffin of the importance of service above self, even though he was open to the idea of joining the defense force.
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Griffin claims his years at Notre Dame University and St Marys Cathedral Catholic College Sydney were quite normal. But, if you look back on it, you can see the seeds for a public life. Griffin was the President of the Student Union and founded a university Rugby team, sponsored by a local pub. He became friends with many of his lecturers, some of whom even wore blue Liberal shirts during Griffins election campaigns.
After eight years Griffin was a director at KPMG and worked in the corporate world. Griffin decided to take up politics. Mike Baird, then-Manly Member, announced that he would be stepping down in 2017, and backed Griffin (then 32) for the safe Liberal seat.
Griffin says that it was crazy to step into the seat of the former Premier who was a giant on the political scene. I just called on all the relationships I have built here and just generated a community-driven approach to being local MP. I was able to embody that.
I used the approach of “I know these people and I know this place, and I love it.” It’s part of my identity.
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Griffin has been parliamentary secretary for a variety portfolios over the past four years, including health care and environment.
Griffin is quiet charismatic as he sits in a cafe overlooking Manly’s headland on Sunday morning. Griffin, 37 years old, has the ability to engage in deep conversations like some politicians.
Griffin’s predecessor was Matt Kean (NSW moderate factional ally), who is now treasurer. Kean was the energy and environment minister when he managed to steer clear of radical climate and energy reforms. This was a role that could have been fatal in Coalition politics, but proved to be career-defining.
When Kean was promoted to treasury, he took the portfolio of energy with him. Griffin was left with the responsibility of looking after Griffin’s environment. It was no easy task considering that nearly 20 animals or plants had been added as threatened species to the NSW State of Environment Report. Also, temperatures were 1.1 degrees higher than last century and the landscape has been devastated by drought, fire, flood, and other natural disasters. He will also have to manage the competing demands of Nationals MPs.
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Chris Gambian, chief executive officer of Nature Conservation Council, says Griffin’s interest in the environment was evident when they met in 2019. But the greatest challenge for the new minister is proving that he can be an effective line for defense for the environment.
Julie Bishop, a friend and mentor, believes that Griffin is the right person to do the job. He was introduced to the Liberal Party as a future talent after they met at a fundraising event. They have remained good friends ever since.
She states that he is sufficiently outspoken on key issues.
Griffin believes that there is a way to manage the tension between protecting the environment and meeting the needs of agriculture and extractive industries. All of this is possible if we accept and believe science as a driver for policy. He says that he is actually excited about the chance to reimagine some of those relationships that have been contentious over the years.
He says that it is important to not fight the battles from years ago when trying to deal with these challenging policy areas. It’s about sitting in a room with different perspectives and getting to the core of the matter. [peoples]This is your concern.
It’s a delicate balance act that requires mature discussion and collaboration. It is the old political saying that the art of possible. I’m not afraid to say, “Come back and check my track records in six months.” You will see the fruits and benefits of collaboration.
He believes that part of the solution is listening to others with different views, people like his mother, Cathy Griffin, a former Greens councillor.
It’s really, really valuable to be able talk to her at the dinner table to understand their view of the environment.
Griffin is still close with Kean and other moderates like Rob Stokes, the Minister for Infrastructure and Cities and Brad Hazzard, the Health Minister – whose electorate borders Griffins. Griffin is still close to former Premier Gladys Berejiklian, who offers friendship and not political advice. Griffin claims he is also friends with Taylor Martin, a member on the legislative council. They are often confused by politicians and constituents alike, as they share a love of surfing.
Griffin laughs when asked what Griffin’s future holds as leader of the Liberal party. He states that ambition is enthusiasm combined with purpose. Griffin said that he is focused and committed to his current job, but that he is also excited about future opportunities. I’ll let you know. [draw]He says you should draw your own conclusions.
Griffin insists that despite the UN chief temperature bodys report showing that the world is not on track for keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees and that there is a short window to achieve the goal, he remains an environmental optimist grounded by reality.
I don’t ignore the challenges we face. He says that we are at a tipping point, where everyone agrees that things must change.
Griffin finds mental therapy by running with a mens club on weekends, when he’s not working or spending time with his family, which includes his two young children and his formidable wife Elissa. It doesn’t matter if you are in politics or life, you just need to keep moving.
THE BILL PLEASE
Bella Visa Cafe Manly, 203/33 North Head Scenic Drive, Open seven days, Weekdays 9am-4pm, Weekends 8am – 5pm. www.bellavistamanly.com.au/contact
Receipt for lunch at Bella Vista Cafe, Manly.