Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has attributed the Greens’ increasing electoral defeats to their obstructionist approach in parliament, describing former MP Max Chandler-Mather’s parliamentary behavior as “offensive.”
Albanese was reacting to Chandler-Mather’s criticism of parliamentary culture, in which the former Griffith MP labeled question time a “sick place” with a toxic atmosphere. In response, Albanese suggested Chandler-Mather’s conduct played a role in his one-term tenure, after being unseated by Labor’s Rennee Coffey.
“Perhaps he should take a look in the mirror and consider why he’s no longer in parliament … it’s a bit much coming from him,” Albanese said on ABC’s 7.30 program on Wednesday.
Albanese also pointed to Chandler-Mather’s past actions, including appearing next to signs comparing the prime minister to a Nazi during a CFMEU rally in Brisbane. During his term, Chandler-Mather faced backlash for his uncompromising stance on affordable housing, his views on the Israel-Gaza conflict, and for aligning with union leaders at a CFMEU rally despite the union being under administration for bullying and corruption claims.
“He should reflect on his conduct during question time, including the nature of some of the questions he directed at me, which were quite offensive,” the prime minister added.
The Greens suffered heavy losses in the lower house on Wednesday, with party leader Adam Bandt joining ex-Coalition leader Peter Dutton, Stephen Bates, and Chandler-Mather among those losing their seats.
Revised Environmental Protection Agency Incoming
Albanese confirmed that a revamped Environmental Protection Agency is planned for his second term, though he declined to say whether Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek would retain her current portfolio.
“We’ll make those decisions in time … I respect our internal processes and won’t speculate ahead of them,” he said.
Plibersek previously negotiated a deal with the Greens and crossbenchers to create a federal EPA but was overruled by Albanese just before final approval.
Albanese emphasized the need for “more sensible decision-making” that balances environmental protection with timely project approvals.
“You can protect the environment and still support jobs and the resources sector’s stability,” he said.
Ministry Appointments Expected Next Week
Albanese stated that new ministerial appointments would be finalized next week, with a tentative swearing-in scheduled for Tuesday morning.
This comes after the Labor caucus meets on Friday, and the prime minister intends to make final decisions over the weekend.
Positions such as Stephen Jones’s role as assistant treasurer and Bill Shorten’s NDIS portfolio are among those under review.
Focus on Indonesia Over the US
Albanese reaffirmed that regional ties, particularly with Indonesia, remain a top priority amid global shifts. He confirmed he will travel to Indonesia next Wednesday to meet with President Prabowo Subianto.
“Our relationship with Indonesia is the most critical,” he said.
“My visit the day after the government is sworn in signals how vital this region is — the fastest-growing in human history, offering tremendous opportunity through the clean energy transition, job creation, and economic development.”
Commitment to Democracy
Following Labor’s overwhelming election victory on Saturday, Albanese described the party’s renewed mandate as a chance to solidify democratic values.
“This is our chance to get this decade right,” he said.
“I want to rebuild public trust in democracy, because it’s something we must never take for granted.”
