Chris Bowen has been confirmed as climate and energy minister in the new Albanese Government, while Murray Watt has been appointed minister for the environment and water as part of a reshuffle announced on Monday.

Josh Wilson is retained as assistant minister for climate and energy, Madeleine King retains resources, and Catherine King retains transport. Former environment minister Tanya Plibersek has been moved to social services.

Tim Ayres is appointed minister for industry, and Kate Thwaites is named as special envoy for climate change adaptation and resilience, a role Albanese said “that will have particular tasks” if Australia is successful in its bid to host the 2026 UN COP climate conference in Adelaide.

The retention of Bowen will be a relief to the energy industry, or at least those engaged in the green energy transition, as it provides continuity and Bowen is regarded as having performed well and is across his brief, despite the name calling by the Coalition and Murdoch media.

Albanese was asked at a media conference if he had given consideration to moving Bowen, given he was not named immediately after the thumping electoral victory last week as part of a core group of ministers holding their portfolios.

“No,” said Albanese.

Bowen has a lot on his plate in 2025, with the second six gigawatt tender in his flagship Capacity Investment Scheme now underway, the implementation of the Home Battery plan from 1 July, and he is due to receive detailed reports and recommendations from the Nelson panel looking into Australia’s electricity market design.

The Australian Energy Market Operator is also looking to release an update of its landmark Integrated System Plan later this year. Its modelling has become the foundation for Labor’s energy policy and its 82% renewable energy target for 2030.

Bowen is also anticipating a recommendation — originally expected late last year — from the now Matt Kean-chaired Climate Change Authority ahead of Australia submitting its new emissions reduction target for 2035, along with the other members of the UN COP.

That target must be submitted by September and Australia is being urged to set a reduction target of at least 75% below 2005 levels. Its current target for 2030 is for a 43% reduction in emissions.

In a statement, Bowen said he was humbled by his reappointment.

“From the sun in our skies to the critical minerals beneath our feet – we have everything we need right here to power our future. We’ve got the know-how and the people, and with governments, industry and workers pushing to this we can get it done,” he said.

“Over the next three years, we will continue building the clean, reliable energy grid endorsed by the Australian people. A grid powered by renewable energy, backed by gas, batteries, and pumped hydro. This approach is backed by expert advice, and our government has acted on that advice.

“And our ambition is clear: Australia is bidding to co-host COP31 with our Pacific partners – a global opportunity to showcase our leadership in climate and energy.”

Watt, a Queensland senator from the Labor left, and previously employment minister, will be tasked with the stalled design of the promised Environment Protection Authority, the implementation of “nature positive” laws, and the overview of the hotly debated EPBC process.

The appointments came as The Nationals met in Canberra to elect a new leader, with Senator Matt Canavan taking on incumbent David Littleproud. Canavan stood on a platform of abandoning net zero targets and prioritising lowering prices over cutting emissions for energy. Canavan lost.

The Australian Conservation Foundation welcomed the appointment of Watt, but said it was time that Labor get into the job of reforming the country’s nature laws.

“There can be no more delays, caving to lobby groups and carving out industries,” it said. “The Albanese Government must fix Australia’s nature laws in the first year of this term of parliament. ACF looks forward to working with Mr Watt on this critical task.

“We also congratulate Chris Bowen on being returned as climate and energy minister.

“At the 2025 election voters chose renewables, storage and climate solutions over nuclear delay and distraction. Australia is nearly halfway to 100% renewable electricity. Mr Bowen has a clear mandate to continue to co-ordinate the clean energy transition.

“It will be crucial for this government to stop approving new coal and gas if Australia is to be a credible host of a climate COP next year. Every single new coal and gas mine fuels climate change and catastrophic weather events.”

The Bob Brown Foundation was not impressed with the appointment of Watt, describing it as a “Trumpian” decision akin to appointing fossil fuel booster Lee Zeldin to the role of EPA administrator in the US.

“This ministry is set to send young Australians into even greater despair. Albanese has achieved that with this appointment,” Brown said in a statement. “Watt backs native forest logging, salmon cage pollution, woodland clearance of two million hectares in five years and koala killing, as well as more global heating and coral bleaching.

“The only good thing coming out of Watt’s appointment is that it will create many more jobs in environmental activism.”

Republished from RENEW ECONOMY, 13 May, 2025