Australian PM caught on hot-mic making crude joke with minister at COP31
Earlier criticism of Albanese
Albanese faced criticism earlier this year after appearing on comedian Nikki Osborne’s Deep Bush podcast. During a game of “shag, marry, date,” he said he would “shag” singer Kylie Minogue.
While discussing melons given to him by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during her May visit to Australia, Albanese mimicked a suggestive gesture by Osborne. Opposition leader Angus Taylor called the remarks “beneath the office of prime minister” and urged Albanese to apologise personally to Takaichi.
Previous controversy over climate jokes
The article recounts another Australian political controversy from 2015, when then-prime minister Tony Abbott laughed at a remark by immigration minister Peter Dutton about Pacific island nations facing rising seas. Leaders from the region objected to the exchange.
Australia’s role at the summit
Australia is co-hosting COP31 with Türkiye, and Bowen is leading negotiations among participating countries. The country’s ongoing coal and gas production and exports have drawn criticism from climate campaigners. They argue Australia cannot present itself as a climate leader while remaining a major exporter of fossil fuels.
Key points
- Albanese and Bowen were recorded joking about phone placement at COP31 in Türkiye.
- Bowen made a crude remark, and the men laughed.
- Australia is co-hosting COP31 with Türkiye, with Bowen leading negotiations.
- Climate campaigners criticize Australia’s continued coal and gas production and exports.