Political Clash Over Climate Minister's Dual Roles
The final parliamentary sitting week of 2025 began with fierce political confrontation as the Coalition targeted Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen over his international climate commitments. Opposition members branded Bowen a 'part-time energy minister, full-time president' during question time, criticising his agreement to serve as 'president of negotiations' at the upcoming Cop conference in Turkey.
The Coalition argued that Bowen should focus entirely on domestic energy prices rather than taking on international climate leadership responsibilities. However, policy experts quickly dismissed these attack lines, with one describing the argument as evidence of an Australian 'culture cringe' regarding global leadership roles.
Broader Political Developments
Elsewhere in Canberra, the Greens expressed 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 changes to the legislation in exchange for supporting its passage during this final sitting week of the year.
In international affairs, Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasised that Ukraine's territorial integrity must be upheld, responding to global backlash against a proposed peace plan from US President Donald Trump. The diplomatic statement comes amid increasing international tension over the ongoing conflict.
NSW Housing Initiative and Other News
The New South Wales government has launched an ambitious housing plan, revealing nine new mid-rise apartment building pattern book designs. The initiative aims to accelerate construction of what planners call the 'missing middle' housing, with projections suggesting it could support the development of 112,000 homes over the next five years.
In other significant developments, the Bureau of Meteorology faces scrutiny after revelations that its website redesign cost $96.5 million, while Snapchat will require approximately 440,000 Australian users to verify they are at least 16 years old or risk having their accounts locked under new social media regulations.
Cultural and Sporting Updates
The arts community mourns the passing of chef Skye Gyngell, aged 62, who pioneered the slow food movement in Australia. Her influential approach to cooking emphasised seasonal, local ingredients and transformed Australian culinary culture.
In sports, cricket selectors face difficult decisions regarding Usman Khawaja's position for the second Ashes Test, with indications that even an injury-free Khawaja receives no guarantee of selection following team performance assessments.
The Queensland coroner's findings into the 2022 Wieambilla shootings concluded that the three Train family members responsible for killing two police officers and a neighbour were not terrorists but acted upon shared 'persecutory' delusions. The coronial investigation examined whether preventive measures could have averted the tragedy.
