So it is that Origin can advocate for a push to net zero while remaining the biggest gas-powered electricity company in the country, and the owner of Eraring, the biggest coal-fired power station in Australia. To some it is hypocrisy, but to most it is pragmatism.
During his days as New South Wales treasurer, it was the now CA chair Mike Baird who sold Eraring to Origin. Originally slated to close this year, it will now chug along until at least 2027 while the federal government manages the energy transition.
Ben Dwarshuis, Pat Cummins, Phoebe Litchfield and Hannah Darlington help announce CA’s new sponsor, Origin Energy.Credit: Cricket Australia
At the same time, CA can back Cummins’ climate work while continuing to play cricket matches under lights, flying players and coaches around Australia and the world on jet airliners, and maintain commercial partnerships with a fast food company (KFC), an alcohol supplier (Liquorland) and a betting firm (Bet365).
As Cummins continues to believe, there is nothing wrong with trying to improve climate preservation efforts while still living a normal life. And as for those who throw stones at this perceived double standard? He answered them long ago.
“I usually get ‘Captain Planet’,” Cummins laughed in 2023. “A few mates say that.
Loading
“In the climate space, I’ve tried to change a few things in my life. It’s a really divisive topic – and I can’t understand why. We’ve all got one planet, if you think you can do one thing better, that’s a good thing. Doesn’t mean you have to live in a cabin in the woods to care about the environment.”
Pragmatism, of course, is also driven by circumstances. Given its recent run of annual deficits, CA will be grateful to Origin for (literally) helping to keep the lights on.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
