Sussan Ley vows to hold ‘government to account' as parliament returns
The Opposition leader was among the parliamentarians that attended a morning mass at Canberra's Wesley Uniting Church, sitting on the front pew with the Prime Minister.
Speaking to reporters after Tuesday morning's service, Ms Ley said it offered 'sober reflection' but wasted no time in getting down to brass tacks.
'I and my team will always put the interests of the Australian people front and centre as we get very busy in the building just over here in just a few short hours,' she said.
'We will be constructive where we can be.'
She pointed to childcare safety laws as an example of where she was keen to work with Labor.
'We're happy to be constructive with the government, but I and my team will be critical where we need to be, and we won't hesitate to hold the government to account, and that includes for the promises that it has made.'
After the service, attendees made their way up to Parliament House where a Welcome to Country kicked off a series of ceremonies set to run throughout the day.
'To walk on Ngunnawal country is to accept responsibilities,' Ngunnawal elder Aunty Violet Sheridan said during remarks in Parliament's Great Hall.
'It is not just about being here -- it is about caring for this land, the waters and all living things as my ancestors have done for thousands of generations.
'When we care for country, we pay respect for those who came before us and ensure that their legacy continues.
'Ngunnawal country is alive. It lives in our stories, our ceremonies, our language and our connections to this land.'
She wished for their 'journey on Ngunnawal country be of understanding, respect and shared purpose, guided by the values of care, connection and community'.
'In keeping in the spirit of friendship and reconciliation, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all here once again to Ngunnawal country,' Aunty Violet said.
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