The Australian parliament is set to grapple with its latest imbroglio, this time over energy minister Chris Bowen. The Coalition has chosen to go on the attack, branding Bowen as "part-time minister" and "full-time president", a charge he vehemently denies.
Shadow energy minister Dan Tehan led the charge today, suggesting that former COP president Alok Sharma visited more than 50 countries during his tenure. This assertion was swiftly rebuffed by Bowen, who pointed out that the presidency of COP (the Conference of the Parties) is not a full-time job, contrary to the Coalition's slogan.
The row has seen opposition MPs such as Michelle Landry and Terry Young raise concerns over power price rises, with Bowen countering by pointing to the government's home battery program and renewables. However, it appears that the Coalition is determined to keep pushing this issue, with former environment minister Sussan Ley chiming in on the need for greater scrutiny of international travel claims.
Not all MPs were able to participate in the questioning session, however, as Dan Tehan was ejected from question time after he continued to label Bowen by his title. It's worth noting that the Opposition has also attempted to whip up public opinion over energy policy with a renewed focus on power price rises, though it remains to be seen how effective this strategy will prove.
In related news, it has emerged that Labor backbencher Andrew Wilkie is seeking a free vote on a crossbench motion aimed at banning online gambling ads. The motion will now proceed to the House for debate and voting next week.
Finally, the Opposition's tributes extended to former Labor MP Graham Richardson were seen as heartfelt but also somewhat contentious, with some arguing that his legacy had been compromised by his later involvement in scandalous affairs.
Shadow energy minister Dan Tehan led the charge today, suggesting that former COP president Alok Sharma visited more than 50 countries during his tenure. This assertion was swiftly rebuffed by Bowen, who pointed out that the presidency of COP (the Conference of the Parties) is not a full-time job, contrary to the Coalition's slogan.
The row has seen opposition MPs such as Michelle Landry and Terry Young raise concerns over power price rises, with Bowen countering by pointing to the government's home battery program and renewables. However, it appears that the Coalition is determined to keep pushing this issue, with former environment minister Sussan Ley chiming in on the need for greater scrutiny of international travel claims.
Not all MPs were able to participate in the questioning session, however, as Dan Tehan was ejected from question time after he continued to label Bowen by his title. It's worth noting that the Opposition has also attempted to whip up public opinion over energy policy with a renewed focus on power price rises, though it remains to be seen how effective this strategy will prove.
In related news, it has emerged that Labor backbencher Andrew Wilkie is seeking a free vote on a crossbench motion aimed at banning online gambling ads. The motion will now proceed to the House for debate and voting next week.
Finally, the Opposition's tributes extended to former Labor MP Graham Richardson were seen as heartfelt but also somewhat contentious, with some arguing that his legacy had been compromised by his later involvement in scandalous affairs.
can't believe Bowen is gettin' roasted like this over COP 
I feel for the bloke, it's just another day in politics where someone's gotta take a hit 
and it seems like Bowen's already taken one from Dan Tehan 
anyway, hope the Labor backbencher Andrew Wilkie gets to make a difference with that online gambling ad ban 
anyway, isn't it weird how the Coalition's all about scrutinizin' Bowen but not so much when they're doin their own international travel? like, what's good for Bowen ain't always good for them, right? 
My electricity bill went up last month and its like, totally unfair. Shouldn't Bowen be doing something about it? 
I'm not sure what's going on with Dan Tehan getting kicked out of question time though - was that even necessary? 
I'm lowkey worried about Chris Bowen being roasted by the Coalition 
like, come on guys can't they just focus on the energy crisis already? 
like that home battery program, btw who doesn't love free electricity? 
And can we pls talk about how Dan Tehan got ejected from question time for being extra 
like, what's up with that? 