Canberra is bracing for a tumultuous final week of Parliament in 2025, marked by fierce debates over escalating electricity costs and potential shifts in political leadership. As the year draws to a close, both issues are poised to have significant implications for the Australian political landscape.
During Monday’s Question Time, the Opposition intensified its critique of the Albanese government, focusing on its commitment to reduce power bills by $275. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley targeted the government’s “part-time” Climate Change Minister, Chris Bowen, questioning his absence from Parliament while attending the COP30 climate conference in Brazil. Ley demanded to know how many days Bowen would spend abroad in his role as COP President and why he wasn’t using his position to address the soaring energy prices affecting households.
Albanese responded by asserting that the Coalition often speaks negatively about Australia, while highlighting international support for the country’s participation in upcoming climate discussions. He mentioned communiqués from Pacific nations applauding Australia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its efforts to reduce emissions, emphasizing that economic strength and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.
The Labor Party is seizing on the disarray within the Coalition, particularly after the latter abandoned its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Ley’s attempts to promote a new energy policy follow significant internal conflicts within her ranks. When questioned by Albanese, Treasurer Jim Chalmers defended Bowen’s dual roles, asserting they do not conflict. He criticized the Coalition for its apparent disregard for electricity prices, stating, “If they really cared about lower electricity prices for Australians, they wouldn’t have come up with this economic insanity.”
Chalmers attributed rising electricity costs to the aging infrastructure of the grid, which is becoming increasingly unreliable. He pointed out that past comments from David Littleproud, leader of the Nationals, acknowledged the benefits of renewable energy, further complicating the Coalition’s narrative on energy policy.
In a notable absence, backbencher Andrew Hastie, often seen as a leadership contender, missed Question Time due to recovery from shoulder surgery. His absence adds to the speculation surrounding Ley’s future as Opposition Leader, particularly as the Coalition grapples with a historic low primary vote of 24 percent.
With a scheduled meeting of the Liberal Party and Nationals looming, discussions about Ley’s leadership have quieted, leading to expectations that she will remain in her position into the New Year. Defense Minister Richard Marles took the opportunity to mock the Coalition during Question Time, comparing potential leadership challengers to figures from the Roman Empire, suggesting, “You have Brutus One and Brutus Two up there, knives sharpening.”
As Parliament approaches its year-end break, former Liberal Leader Malcolm Turnbull is set to return for the unveiling of his official portrait on December 7, 2025. Ley is expected to attend this event, which may provide a moment of respite amidst the political turmoil.
Before Parliament adjourns, the Labor government hopes to secure an agreement on its long-awaited environmental law reforms. Minister Murray Watt has expressed confidence that a deal will be reached, although opposition from the Coalition could complicate matters. If a consensus is achieved, it may more likely involve the Greens rather than the Coalition, which appears resistant to granting the government a legislative victory before the holiday recess.
As the parliamentary session draws to a close, the uncertainty surrounding the sitting calendar for next year remains, with no confirmed dates for the return of MPs following the summer break. Prime Minister Albanese has indicated he will not rush back, having announced plans for a long-awaited marriage to partner Jodie Haydon during the summer, with details yet to be disclosed.
