Australia’s 48th Parliament Opens After Labor’s Big Win

Canberra, July 22 : Australia’s 48th federal parliament officially opened on Tuesday in Canberra, following the general election held on May 3.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party returned to power with a major victory, winning a second term in government.

At the opening session, Milton Dick was re-elected as Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Sue Lines was re-elected as President of the Senate. Both are from the Labor Party and are responsible for maintaining order and leading debates in their respective chambers.

While Dick can only vote in the lower house during a tie, Lines can vote on all Senate matters.

During a formal ceremony at Parliament House, which included a traditional Aboriginal welcome, Prime Minister Albanese encouraged all 226 elected members to help write Australia’s “next chapter” with “grace and courage.”

Earlier that day, Albanese said the new parliament was an “opportunity” for the government to serve the Australian people and fulfill their promises.

The first day included formal events and the official swearing-in of all elected members. One notable newcomer is Charlotte Walker, a 21-year-old from South Australia, who becomes Australia’s youngest-ever senator.

Labor now holds 94 out of 150 seats in the House of Representatives — matching the record for the most seats held by one party — and 29 out of 76 seats in the Senate.

The opposition Liberal-National Coalition, led by Sussan Ley, has 43 seats in the lower house and 27 in the Senate. On Tuesday, Ley admitted the party is at a “low point” but vowed to be a strong opposition and hold the government accountable.

Parliament will begin discussing legislation on Wednesday. Prime Minister Albanese has said the first priority is a 20% cut in student loan debt, fulfilling a key campaign promise.