Chris Bowen
Minister for Climate Change & Energy
Biography
Background and political history
Chris Bowen entered Parliament in 2004 and has held senior portfolios in every Labor government since. A former Mayor of Fairfield, he served as Assistant Treasurer, Immigration Minister and briefly Treasurer in 2013, before becoming Labor's Shadow Treasurer (2013-2019). Since 2022 Bowen has led Australia's climate and energy policy, steering the Safeguard Mechanism overhaul, Capacity-Investment Scheme for firmed renewables, and the National EV Strategy. Bowen holds economics honours from Sydney University and is the author of three policy books, most recently *Labor People* (2021).
Policy Positions
Key issues and stances
Climate
Net-zero 2050
Safeguard Mechanism cap, 82 % renewables by 2030.
Energy
Grid firming
Capacity-Investment Scheme, Rewiring the Nation fund.
Transport
EV uptake
Fuel-efficiency standards and 100 % Commonwealth fleet EVs by 2027.
Voting History
Recent votes on key legislation
Climate Change Bill 2022
Introduced 43 % target as cabinet minister
Treasury Laws Amendment (Electric Car Discount) 2022
FBT exemption for EVs
National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill 2022
Integrity commission
Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Amendment 2023
Enabled offshore-wind zones
Renewable Energy (Jobs & Investment) Bill 2024
Legislated Capacity-Investment Scheme
Election History
Past election results
| Year | Electorate | Result | Vote % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | McMahon | Won | 58.2% |
| 2019 | McMahon | Won | 55.5% |
| 2016 | McMahon | Won | 57.8% |
| 2013 | McMahon | Won | 55.9% |
Contact Information
Get in touch with Chris Bowen
Phone
(02) 9604 0710Website
Visit official websiteOffice Address
Shop 3, 20 Dale St, Fairfield NSW 2165