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 believes his years at Notre Dame University, St Marys Cathedral Catholic College Sydney were fairly normal. However, if one looks back on the past, it is clear that he was destined for a public career. Griffin was the President of the Student Union and founded a university Rugby team, sponsored by a local pub. He became lifelong friends, and two of his lecturers 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 said that the by-election was quite crazy, especially since Griffin was stepping into the seat held by the former Premier, who was a giant in politics. 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, I love them.” It is part of who I am.
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Griffin has been parliamentary secretary for a number of portfolios in the four years since then, including environment and health.
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, a NSW moderate factional ally who is now treasurer. Kean’s role as energy and environment minister was pivotal in his career. He was able to see through radical climate and energy reforms.
Kean took the energy portfolio with them when he was promoted to treasury. Griffin was left with the responsibility of looking after Griffin’s environment. It was no easy task given that temperatures have risen 1.1 degrees in the past 3 years and almost 20 species of animals and plants have been added to the endangered species lists. He will also have to manage the competing demands of Nationals MPs.
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Chris Gambian, chief executive of Nature Conservation Council says Griffins interest was evident when they met in 2019, shortly after the council’s formation. However, the greatest challenge for the new minister will come down to proving that he is an effective line-of defense for the environment.
Julie Bishop, a friend and mentor, believes that Griffin is the right person to do the job. Griffin was introduced to the Liberal Party in 2018 as a future talent at a fundraising event. They have remained close 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 that starts with respecting and believing science as a driver of policies. I’m actually very excited by the chance to reimagine some relationships that have been conflicting over time, he says over a smashed avo.
He says that it is important to not fight the battles from years past when trying to deal with these challenging policy areas. It is about bringing different perspectives to the table and getting down to the details of what it means. [peoples]This is your concern.
It is a delicate balance, but it can be done with mature discussion. It is the old political saying that the art of possible. I don’t mind saying that you can come back in six months to check my track record and see the fruits of collaboration.
He says that hearing from people with different viewpoints is part of the solution. People like his mother, Cathy Griffin (former Greens councillor) is one example.
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 to Kean and other moderate figures, including Rob Stokes, Minister for Infrastructure and Cities, and Brad Hazzard, Health Minister – whose electorate is right next to 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 laughed when asked about Griffin’s future as the leader for the Liberal party. He says that ambition is enthusiasm with a 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 suggests that you 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 am not ignoring the challenges that we face. He says that we are at a tipping point, where everyone agrees that things must change.
Griffin runs a men’s group on weekends when he isn’t working or with his family. You have to keep moving, in politics or in your life.
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 to James Griffin for lunch at Bella Vista Cafe Manly.