MPs enjoy ceremonial start to 48th Parliament before Albanese's army of fresh faces get down to business

West Australian

2 days ago

Parliament was awash with eucalyptus smoke, families and good humour as the formalities of politicians starting their jobs for a new term took place.
Rival parties put their differences aside at a morning church service in a tradition to start the day of pomp and ceremony ushering in the 48th parliamentary term.
Anthony Albanese smiled and declared it would 'be a good day' as he joined Opposition Leader Sussan Ley at Canberra's Wesley Uniting Church.
The Prime Minister spoke about the opportunity his whopping 94-seat majority would deliver, when asked if he was ready to take on a big agenda.
'Every day's an opportunity to deliver for Australians and this week, we will have legislation to do that. We'll continue to work hard each and every day,' he told reporters.
Ms Ley pledged to engage in 'robust debate' in the national interest.
'We are resolved to do the job that the Australian people have entrusted us with, to be a strong, principled and effective Opposition,' she said.
Ngunnawal senior elder Violet Sheridan gave the Welcome to Country, which was added to the ceremonial agenda under Kevin Rudd in 2007.
She explained the cultural tradition that has taken place for thousands of years, saying those walking on Ngunnawal country accepted responsibility to care for the land, waters and all living things.
'May you all walk gently, listen and carry the spirit of this country with you,' she told the gathered politicians, before leading them onto Parliament's forecourt to be bathed in smoke.
Mr Albanese and Ms Ley both offered pointed defences of the traditional custom after Welcomes to Country became a political football during the election campaign with Peter Dutton declaring he thought they were overused.
Ms Ley explicitly thanked Aunty Violet, saying the Welcome was a reminder that 'this parliament doesn't begin in isolation' but was a continuation of the story of a land with an ancient culture.
The Prime Minister described it as a powerful way to begin any new parliament and one that shouldn't be taken for granted.
'It is not controversial today and nor should it be. It is a respectful way of us beginning our deliberations here in Canberra, which of course means meeting place,' he said.
Those deliberations couldn't start until the members and senators were sworn in, watched on by hundreds of proud family and supporters – and many wiggly children – in the two chambers.
New suits, sparkly shoes and crisp ties were donned for the big day as they swore allegiance to King Charles III – apart from maverick independent Bob Katter, who hotly declared his allegiance was to the Australian people.
Mr Albanese and his ministers were up first.
The Coalition frontbenchers followed, led by Ms Ley, who confidently stood at the Opposition Leader's dispatch box before being motioned around to the PM's side by clerks.
Laughter rippled across the chamber at their height contrast of former professional basketball player Matt Smith standing side by side with diminutive Labor colleague Anne Urquhart.
In an early display of bipartisanship, Labor chief whip Jo Ryan and veteran Nationals MP Michael McCormack gave joke-laden speeches to jointly nominate Milton Dick for a second term in the Speaker's chair.
He was elected unanimously to applause.
'You are a steady hand, Mr Speaker. In your re-election, this House has shown gratitude for the work that you have done in your first term as Speaker – and may there be many more terms to come,' Mr Albanese said.
The sign of solidarity came after several MPs appeared to buddy up at the morning church service, including Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Liberal Angus Taylor, who walked side by side.
In the Senate, Greens defector Dorinda Cox made her first appearance sitting with Labor and was warmly embraced by Government Senate Leader Penny Wong.
WA senator Sue Lines was re-elected to the president's chair, winning 55 votes to 12 for the Greens' nominee Penny Allman-Payne. Somewhat embarrassingly, there were five informal ballots cast.
Senator Lines said that it was an honour and vowed to be a 'steady and firm hand'.
In a surprising move, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson nominated independent David Pocock for the gig, which he 'respectfully' declined.
Just like other MPs and Senators flanked by family on Tuesday, the PM's partner Jodie Haydon and son Nathan joined the proceedings, including the church service and opening procession.
The public galleries were also full of distinguished guests, including ANU chancellor and former-WA Liberal Julie Bishop and ex-Liberal speaker Tony Smith.