Anthony Albanese apologises for hot-mic gaffe after Coalition criticises ‘locker-room talk’
Summary
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese apologised after a microphone captured him and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen making a private joke about mobile phones and anatomy before a UN climate meeting in Turkey. Albanese said he regretted being overheard, while government and opposition figures disagreed over whether the comments were appropriate at an international summit.Key Facts
- Albanese and Bowen were recorded talking before a meeting at the Cop31 climate summit in Antalya, Turkey.
- Their conversation included remarks about where to carry a mobile phone and whether it could affect heart rhythm.
- Albanese said, “I of course regret that. I apologise,” during a visit to an Australian warship in the Philippines.
- Albanese described the exchange as private, light-hearted banter and said no one was hurt or harmed.
- Opposition frontbencher James Paterson said the remarks could harm impressions of Australia internationally.
- Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth called the comments a joke between meetings and said other issues deserved attention.
- Albanese was in the Philippines for an ASEAN summit and planned bilateral talks with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
- Albanese was also previously criticised over remarks about Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and singer Kylie Minogue on a podcast.
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