The federal Energy Minister is defending Richard Colbeck amid criticism after attending a cricket match on the same day he declined to attend a COVID-19 committee hearing earlier this month.

Deborah Knight has blasted the Minister for Aged Care stating, “How the hell does he still hold a ministerial position?”

Mr Colbeck’s “arrogant complacency” has been defended by Energy Minister Angus Taylor.

Mr Taylor told Deborah Knight, “The idea that there’s been a lack of scrutiny and it just doesn’t add up”.

“He has fronted up in question time and Senate estimates.”

Labor politician Joel Fitzgibbon says, “Angus is doing some ducking and weaving today”.

“The real issue here is the Prime Minister.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview between the two politicians