Calling for a moratorium on new coal mines on the eve of a critical NSW by-election in the Hunter Valley led to Malcolm Turnbull being dumped from his new job.
NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean admits the comments made by the former prime minister on ABC radio just a day after being appointed chair of the NSW Net-Zero Emissions and Clean Economy Board - sealed his fate.
"It wasn't helpful," Mr Kean told ABC Radio National on Wednesday.
He admitted the the five-year appointment last week rankled many of his conservative coalition colleagues and his subsequent comments about the coal industry and a sudden by-election in the mining industry electorate of the Upper Hunter led to his axing.
"A figure as colourful as Malcolm Turnbull that already arouses strong opinions. Speaking about these matters was not helpful in bringing my colleagues along on this journey," he said.
"Some of my colleagues didn't appreciate those comments ... on the eve of the by-election," he said.
Upper Hunter Nationals MP Michael Johnsen was forced to quit the party and then parliament after being accused of rape, leaving the coalition facing the prospect of minority government unless it can win back the marginal seat.
"There is a by-election. It's a very contentious political environment at the moment," Mr Kean said.
"I was prepared to ride it out ... but it was clear that a number of my colleagues and other people across the community ... felt alienated by this decision," he said.
He denied he was at loggerheads with Nationals Leader John Barilaro, who went on radio on Tuesday to announce Mr Turnbull had been dumped.
"Not at all. John is a robust spokesman for the bush and I need to work with John in order to get things done," Mr Kean said.
