Jim Wilson has slammed new Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen for “bagging” the former government.

The Albanese government today ruled out the early use of a gas market mechanism set up by the Turnbull government to limit energy price rises.

Chris Bowen believes it would not come into effect until January and would not alleviate short-term soaring prices.

Outages of coal-fired power plants have skyrocketed wholesale energy prices and are now forcing smaller retailers to drop out of the market.

At his press conference today, Mr Bowen blamed the previous government for the current energy challenges facing Australia.

Jim isn’t impressed.

“With energy prices skyrocketing, we’re looking for leadership Minister, not partisan politics!” Jim said.

Press PLAY below to hear Jim’s full comments

Australian Industry Group CEO Innes Willox told Jim Wilson this is now “the biggest structural problem” Australia has.

“We’ve got ourselves in a complete mess handling this.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview