Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pointed to the Greens’ increasing election losses as a result of what he describes as their blocking tactics in parliament. He also criticized former MP Max Chandler-Mather’s conduct in parliament, calling it “offensive” amid broader accusations of a toxic culture within Parliament House.
Albanese’s remarks responded directly to Chandler-Mather’s recent comments, in which the former member for Griffith described question time as a “sick place” with a “toxic culture.” In an interview on 7.30 Wednesday, Albanese suggested that Chandler-Mather’s own behavior contributed to his departure from parliament after just one term. Chandler-Mather was defeated in Griffith by Labor’s Rennee Coffey, ending his brief stint in the House of Representatives.
“Maybe what he needs is a mirror and a reflection on why he’s no longer in parliament,” Albanese said. “It’s a bit rich for him, of all people.” During his time in office, Chandler-Mather faced criticism for his hard-lined stance on affordable housing, his position on the Israel-Gaza conflict, and for defending the CFMEU at a rally alongside union leaders after it had been placed into administration amid allegations of bullying and corruption.
Albanese also touched on policy plans, stating that a revised Environmental Protection Agency is a key part of his second term agenda. However, he declined to confirm whether Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek would be moved to a different portfolio, leaving that decision open.
The remarks highlight ongoing tensions in Parliament over conduct and policy direction as Albanese’s government navigates the challenges of maintaining unity and advancing its reform agenda.
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