Shadow finance minister James Paterson has told Energy Minister Chris Bowen to “stay in Turkey” because he prefers “hobnobbing” more than working on energy policy.
Mr Bowen has been appointed as the President of Negotiations for the COP31 climate conference, which will be held in Turkey in 2026.
It comes after Australia struck a deal that hands hosting rights to Turkey but elevates Mr Bowen to the key leadership role.
“Chris Bowen should do two things when he heads overseas, particularly when he goes over to Turkey,” Mr Paterson told Sky News Sunday Agenda.
“He should thank (Turkish) President Erdogan for saving Australian taxpayers two billion dollars by not having to host COP.
“And secondly, I think he should probably stay there because that’s where his priorities are. He wants to be on the international circuit.
“He wants to be hobnobbing and negotiating at climate conferences. He has no interest in lowering energy prices for Australians.”
There has been concern that Mr Bowen’s loyalty could be divided between bringing down power prices in Australia and his commitment to pursue net zero for COP31.
Mr Paterson claimed that soaring power bills were evidence that the Energy Minister had “failed” in his primary responsibility.
“On his watch, Australians are paying up to $1,300 more than they promised they would before the previous election,” he said.
“So if that’s Chris Bowen’s priority, then let’s get a real energy minister who’s actually focused on Australians and getting energy prices down.”
Mr Bowen appears likely to retain the energy portfolio despite taking on the presidency of negotiations for next year’s COP31 climate summit.
Meanwhile, the Albanese government has framed the arrangement as a diplomatic win, arguing that elevating Mr Bowen enhances Australia’s influence in the region.
But Mr Paterson dismissed the government’s claim that the role would bolster Pacific security or counter China’s influence.
“I’m sure Xi Jinping is quaking in his boots that Chris Bowen is going to turn the international COP conference into a national security conference,” he joked.
“I have my doubts about that. I think actually the energy minister’s job is to get energy prices affordable so we’re not driving jobs and industry offshore.”
Trade Minister Don Farrell defended the appointment on Sunday, calling Mr Bowen the “perfect candidate” for the role and rejecting suggestions his loyalty would be split.
“I am unequivocal in the view that Chris Bowen’s loyalty is to Australia and the people of Australia,” Mr Farrell said.
“Everything that he would do on the international stage would be to contribute to Australia’s contribution to net zero.”