Politics · Australia · 1 hr ago
Albanese and Bowen caught joking on hot mic at COP31
Anthony Albanese and Chris Bowen were caught joking on a hot mic while waiting for a business discussion at COP31 in Antalya, Turkey.
They talked about where to carry a mobile phone and joked that Bowen avoids putting his in a trouser pocket because of its possible effect on his penis.
The exchange was recorded before the pair began their official remarks, and Albanese’s office said they were joking between meetings.
COP31 brings together representatives from more than 190 countries to negotiate action on climate change.
Australia is co-hosting the conference with Turkey, and Bowen has a role leading negotiations between countries.
Those talks are due to continue until the end of next week, while Albanese has left Turkey for the ASEAN summit in the Philippines.
The incident drew attention partly because Australia’s role in the climate conference is under scrutiny.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen were caught joking on a live microphone at COP31 in Antalya, Turkey.
The exchange concerned phone storage, radiation and the possible effect of keeping a mobile phone in a trouser pocket.
The conversation was recorded Friday as they waited for a business and investment roundtable.
Albanese’s office said they were joking between meetings.
Bowen was in Antalya to lead climate negotiations, while Albanese left Turkey after the roundtable.
- Who
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen.
- What
- They were recorded joking about mobile phones and the possible effects of carrying one in a trouser pocket.
- When
- Friday, November 13, 2026.
- Where
- COP31 in Antalya, Turkey.
- Why
- They were making small talk while waiting for a business and investment discussion; the sources do not state another reason.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Albanese arrived in Antalya for the conference leaders summit.
The pair’s conversation was picked up by a hot microphone as they waited for a business and investment roundtable.
Albanese left Turkey shortly after the roundtable and headed for the Philippines, while Bowen stayed in Antalya to lead negotiations.
- Location
- Antalya, Turkey
- Event
- COP31
- Participants
- Anthony Albanese and Chris Bowen
- Roundtable
- Discussion about business opportunities and investment in Australia’s renewable energy transition
- Negotiations
- Bowen was to lead talks between 190 countries until the end of the following week
3 sources
What people are saying
They were having a joke in between meetings.
It’s how we turn the commitments that we want to make into actions and outcomes, and capitalise on the opportunity which is before us.
That's rather important... arguably more important than the heart.