Energy Minister Chris Bowen has clashed with veteran Seven journalist Liam Bartlett over Australia’s energy policies amid crippling fuel shortages and the war in the Middle East.

Bowen was delivering his daily update on the fuel crisis and war in Iran when he was confronted by Bartlett for an upcoming 7NEWS Spotlight episode.

7NEWS Spotlight returns Sunday, April 19, with a major investigation from Bartlett into Australia’s energy crisis.

With less than a month’s worth of fuel remaining onshore in Australia amid a largely unpredictable war, all eyes are currently on the federal government’s energy department.

In the press conference on Wednesday, questions were being asked about Australia’s gas reservation policy — set to keep gas exports on-shore and secure domestic supply — when Bowen threw to Bartlett for the next question.

“So let me get this straight, your renewable transitions policy will not alter one iota, despite what this war has shown us with the failure of your energy policy?” Bartlett asked.

Bowen hit back, saying he did not understand Bartlett’s logic.

“I’m not sure how you could assert, Liam, that the war in Iran is the fault of Australian renewable energy,” Bowen said.

“If you are suggesting that renewable energy has somehow led to an interruption to the supply of oil in the Middle East, I’m just going to have to respectfully disagree with you.”

Bartlett said Bowen’s focus “has been wholly and solely on spending billions of dollars we haven’t got on questionable green infrastructure”.

The pair spoke over the top of each other for a moment, before Bowen asked: “Why is renewable energy questionable?”

“You’re totally hypocritical,” Bartlett hit back.

“OK that’s a comment not a question,” Bowen said before turning to other journalists in the room for further questions.

“Why don’t you sit down then and answer questions? What are you afraid of?” Bartlett interjected.

Bowen was defending his availability, noting his daily press conferences, when Bartlett made it clear he had been trying to secure a one-on-one interview with the minister to no avail.

“No, no, no, no — for a formal interview, instead of you being able to deflect to my colleagues. What are you afraid of?” Bartlett queried.

Bowen replied: “I don’t think taking questions in from a wide diversity of journalists is not being available. I hold a press conference everyday. You’ve chosen to come to this one, well done.”

Bartlett retorted: “Because I’ve had to chase you down. Your office won’t front up.”

Bowen then gave Bartlett another “congratulations” for appearing at the press conference, before throwing to other journalists gathered for further questions.

All new 7NEWS Spotlight returns on Channel 7 and 7plus, from Sunday, April 19.

SOURCE: https://7news.com.au/news/what-are-you-afraid-of-7news-spotlight-journalist-liam-bartlett-clashes-with-energy-minister-chris-bowen-c-22109784?fbclid=IwY2xjawRDUY1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeEMv2r1HBWXBv-th80cAnGaa1YjjZmWkVZLJeMqb0AV36UmPmsh8ow734k_k_aem_Bfgozllv-XZOE7HTymO5Hg