Chris Bowen warns energy generators against market manipulation amid crisis

The new minister said he had been very clear that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the energy regulator needed to have sufficient powers to police market behaviour.

Bowen acknowledged the May election meant a significantly larger crossbench would take its place in the 47th parliament, including a number of climate-focused independents. He also acknowledged the higher vote for the Greens.

He said he had already spoken to all of the teal independents, and some of the incoming MPs more than once. Bowen said he would also speak to the Greens leader, Adam Bandt, when he recovered from illness.

Bowen said his message to the crossbench was Labor had its own electoral mandate, and he hoped that would be respected. But he said he would look to collaborate in the new parliament.