'Obscene': SA premier hits out after missing out on major conference

Thursday, 20 November 2025 19:41

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has hit out at the "obscene" process for deciding the COP31 host after Australia – and Adelaide – missed out on holding the major climate conference.

The federal government today confirmed that Turkey will host the main summit in Antalya.

However, Australia's Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen will assume the role of conference president.

Chris Bowen the Minister for Climate change after conceding defeat in trying to host COP31

"Obviously, it would be great if Australia could have it all, but we can't have it all," Bowen said.

A pre-COP meeting is slated to occur in the Pacific region, fulfilling a commitment to involve the region's island nations in climate discussions.

"We're very pleased with the outcome," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

The state government, though, has been left disappointed by the outcome.

South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskus couldn't hide his disappointment after Adelaide did not win the rights to host the COP31 summit.

"We won at our task, the federal government didn't achieve its objective, and that's the way it works," Malinauskas said.

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young was blunter, saying "the prime minister has let down the country. He has let down South Australians".

The failed bid has financial implications for South Australia, with almost $4 million already expended on preparations.

"Lots of those costs will be reallocated to other means where we can achieve that," said Malinauskas.

The premier is adamant Adelaide should get another chance to host COP, but United Nations processes mean that opportunity won't come around again until 2031.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.

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