Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday sparked attention after being caught making a crude joke with Climate Minister Chris Bowen during the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Turkiye. The conversation, recorded on a live microphone, involved a discussion about mobile phones, their effects on the body and a joke about male genitalia.

Hot Mic Catches Conversation

The incident took place when Albanese and Bowen were waiting for a roundtable discussion to begin. During their conversation, the Australian Prime Minister warned Bowen against keeping his mobile phone close to his heart, saying it could affect his heart rhythm. Bowen responded that he was more concerned about keeping his phone out of his trouser pocket.

Albanese then interrupted him, asking, "Because of your d--k?" Bowen then responded with a laugh, saying, "Arguably more important than the heart." The exchange was first broadcast by Australia's Channel Seven.

As the video went viral on social media, a spokesperson for the Australian prime minister downplayed the incident, telling AFP that the two politicians were simply sharing a joke between meetings. The exchange quickly attracted attention due to its informal and personal nature as it took place during an international climate summit.

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Previous Gaffes

This is not the first time Albanese has faced criticism for making jokes involving adult humour. Earlier this year, he attracted attention after making a comment about singer Kylie Minogue on a podcast, saying he would "shag" her. He also sparked discussion with an innuendo-filled remark about a gift of luxury melons from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

The incident also comes as Australia takes a leading role in negotiations at COP31. The country has regularly faced criticism over its climate position as it remains one of the world's major fossil fuel exporters. This has raised questions about the gap between Australia's role in climate discussions and its continued involvement in the fossil fuel industry.

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