Saul Griffith stood in front of a packed room at the Grand Hotel in Kiama with a beer in hand and a message that cut through the political noise: Australia can lead the world in climate action, but only if we stop waiting for others and start doing the work ourselves.

Griffith, an inventor and engineer with deep experience in global climate policy, brought urgency and optimism to a community event hosted by local independent candidate Kate Dezarnaulds.

He has advised governments around the world, including working on the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States.

In recent months, he has seen that progress unravel.

His own organisation lost more than $2 billion in US government contracts as political winds shifted.

“Political flip-flopping costs us. It destroys trust, delays progress and kills opportunity. Australia has a chance to show another way.”

That way, according to Griffith, is full electrification.

Australian households that electrify their cars, appliances and heating systems, and install rooftop solar, could save more than $4000 a year. 

Scaled nationally, this would lead to savings of nearly $2 trillion by 2050.

“This is not a sacrifice,” he said. “It is an opportunity. But we have to fight for it. The system is not going to change itself.” 

Griffith also addressed the Coalition’s recent decision to embrace nuclear energy, describing it as a distraction rather than a solution. “It’s not serious policy,” he said.

While he supports nuclear technology in countries without other viable options, he argues it makes no sense for Australia. It is costly, slow to build and relies heavily on water. 

“We have sunshine, we have momentum, and we know what works. We are the driest inhabited continent on Earth. Nuclear relies heavily on water we simply cannot spare - we don’t need it,” he said.

“We need courage and the right incentives.” 

He explained Australia’s electrical grid is already experiencing a transformation - 40% of substations now send electricity both ways due to rooftop solar.

But regulators are still operating as if we live in the 1950s.

Griffith argues Australia has the best sunshine in the world and the perfect conditions to electrify homes, businesses and even heavy industry. 

What’s missing, he said, is the political will.

Griffith is not aligned with any party, but he is passionate about the role independents can play in restoring integrity and ambition to Parliament.

He’s worked with the current crossbench and describes them as some of the hardest working and most values-driven MPs in Canberra. He believes more independents could help hold major parties to account and push for real progress. 

That’s where Dezarnaulds comes in.

While Griffith joked that everyone in the room already knew she was great, he also made it clear her campaign is serious.

Dezarnaulds has spent years working with community organisations across Gilmore, listening to concerns about affordability, infrastructure, environmental protection, and political integrity. Her campaign is backed by Climate 200 and supported by a growing grassroots movement. 

Griffith reminded the room the energy transition will not only lower bills and cut emissions but can also help address inequality. 

With the right policies, renters, low-income households and small businesses can share in the benefits. But if we wait or get distracted by expensive dead ends like nuclear, the window will close. 

“We know what to do,” he said. “Electrify everything. Start in your community. And vote for people who will make it happen.”