Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have dismissed their embarrassing hot-mic exchange as harmless “banter” between friends.
Speaking to The Australian on Saturday, Bowen said the remarks were part of a private, light-hearted conversation that was accidentally picked up and broadcast.
“Anthony and I are good friends,” Bowen said.
Albanese also described the exchange as “light-hearted banter” while speaking on the sidelines of defence talks in Manila on Sunday.
“I regret that, of course, and I apologise,” he said.
“It was a private conversation between two friends who thought they were having a bit of light-hearted banter.
“That sort of thing happens, and no one was hurt or harmed.”
Bowen acknowledged that the language was not typical of ministers speaking in public, but said the word was widely used in everyday Australian conversation.
Bowen, right, said the exchange was simply a private conversation between friends
“We used a word ministers would not ordinarily use in public,” he said.
“But it is probably used broadly across the Australian community.
“What is not a joke is climate change, and that is where my full focus is this week.”
The awkward exchange took place on Friday after Albanese slipped his phone into the breast pocket of his suit jacket and gestured towards the area over his heart.
He asked Bowen: “Do you keep your phone there?”
“Generally, yes,” Bowen replied.
“Don’t,” Albanese said.
Bowen then explained that he had changed where he carried his phone.
Chris Bowen said he was fully focused on climate change during the conference
“I am more conscious of it. I stopped carrying it in my pants pocket,” he said.
Albanese followed up: “Because of your d***?”
“Because of my d***. That is rather important … arguably more important than the heart,” Bowen replied, prompting laughter from both men.
The remarks were made in the presence of other delegates.
Environment Minister Murray Watt also played down the backlash, saying critics had overreacted to what was plainly intended as a joke.
“This is really just about people having a joke,” Watt said.
“There has been a lot of criticism from some quarters about every part of this COP, but participating in—and leading—the discussions is clearly in Australia’s national interest.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns likewise sought to minimise the incident when questioned by reporters.
Taxpayers were billed $32,100 to serve coffee at the COP31 summit
“I just do not think it is the end of the world,” Minns said.
The hot-mic episode is the latest distraction at COP31, the United Nations’ annual climate summit, which has brought representatives from more than 190 countries to Antalya to negotiate a global response to climate change.
It follows a separate political dispute over the federal government’s decision to offer free coffee at Australia’s national pavilion, with taxpayers expected to cover a $32,100 bill.
The coffee stand has become one of the summit’s busiest attractions, with delegates reportedly queuing for as long as 45 minutes. About 1,800 coffees have been served since Monday—roughly 80 drinks an hour.
The Coalition has seized on the cost as evidence of wasteful spending, accusing the Albanese government of using public money to subsidise coffee for summit delegates.
Bowen has defended the expense, saying Australia’s pavilion is important to advancing the country’s interests, while accusing Opposition Leader Angus Taylor of political hypocrisy.
“Does he want one lump of hypocrisy or two with his coffee?” Bowen told the ABC.
“My responsibility is to build consensus around the most ambitious outcome that consensus can deliver.”