Veteran MPs and fresh-faced senators gathered in Canberra yesterday for the formal opening of the 48th federal Parliament. Source: Canberra City News.
The day began with an ecumenical service at a Wesley Uniting Church, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promising to get down to business quickly.
“Every day is an opportunity to deliver for Australians and this week we will have legislation to do that,” he told reporters outside the church.
“We’ll continue to work hard each and every day in the interest of Australians.”
Mr Albanese will command a large majority in his second term as leader, with Labor holding 94 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives.
The size of the majority was on display on the floor of Parliament for the first time since the election, with Labor MPs now sitting on both sides of the aisle in the lower house.
Across the chamber, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley will preside over just 43 lower-house MPs after an election wipeout for the coalition.
“We got smashed at the last election and the number of seats that we now hold is a demonstration that we are at a low point,” Ms Ley said.
“But we’re here to work hard, we’re here to put the interests of the Australian people that we come here to represent front and centre.
“And we know that aspiration connects every single threat of Australian society.”
After a ceremonial Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony on the forecourt of Parliament House, MPs and senators were, one by one, sworn in at their respective chambers.
Legislation due to be introduced in the first week of Parliament includes a 20 per cent reduction in HECS debt for university students, penalty rate protections and increased safety measures at childcare centres.
The Greens, who hold the balance of power in the Upper House, are set to introduce a private senator’s bill to reform Australia’s main environment laws.
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Parliament returns with a flurry of pomp and ceremony (By Kat Wong and Andrew Brown, AAP via Canberra City News)
