Australia's political arena ignited as Parliament commenced its final sitting week of 2025, with the Coalition directing fierce criticism toward Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen over his international climate commitments.
Question Time Confrontation
During the first question time of the week, opposition MPs launched a coordinated attack on Bowen, labelling him a 'part-time energy minister, full-time president'. The criticism stems from Bowen's recent agreement to serve as 'president of negotiations' at the upcoming Cop conference hosted by Turkey.
The Coalition argued that Bowen should prioritise domestic energy concerns, particularly power prices affecting Australian households, rather than taking on international climate diplomacy roles. However, policy experts have swiftly dismissed these attack lines, with one specialist describing the opposition's argument as evidence of an Australian 'culture cringe' towards global leadership positions.
Broader Parliamentary Developments
Elsewhere in Canberra, the Greens have raised significant concerns about Labor's proposed nature laws, stating they remain 'still not good enough to protect the planet'. The minor party is demanding further amendments in exchange for supporting the legislation during this final parliamentary sitting week of the year.
In international affairs, Foreign Minister Penny Wong has emphasised that Ukraine's territorial integrity must be upheld, responding to global backlash against a proposed peace plan from former US President Donald Trump.
National News Roundup
The Bureau of Meteorology faces scrutiny after revelations that its website redesign cost $96.5 million, prompting demands for explanation.
In technology regulation, Snapchat will require 440,000 Australian users to verify they are aged 16 or older, with accounts facing locking under new social media age restrictions.
The arts community mourns the passing of chef Skye Gyngell, aged 62, who pioneered the slow food movement in Australia.
In sports, cricket selectors have indicated there's no guarantee Usman Khawaja will be picked for the second Ashes Test even if he recovers from injury.
State Housing Initiative
The New South Wales government has launched nine new pattern book designs for mid-rise apartment buildings, aiming to accelerate construction of what's being termed the 'missing middle' in housing. The initiative hopes to support the development of 112,000 homes over the next five years.
Meanwhile, a Queensland coroner has found that the three Train family members responsible for the 2022 Wieambilla shootings were not terrorists but acted on shared persecutory delusions when they killed two police officers and a neighbour.
As Parliament enters its final sitting days for 2025, the political temperature shows no signs of cooling, with significant policy debates and international commitments shaping Australia's political landscape.
