What to expect as politicians flock back to Canberra after a three-month break

Politicians will finally head back to Canberra this week almost three months after parliament last sat. Here’s what to expect.

Pictured is Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: Newswire/Gary Ramage

Politicians will finally flock back to Canberra this week almost three months after parliament last sat, with a cut to student debt to be the first item legislated by Anthony Albanese’s new beefed-up majority.

Labor will move to legislate a 20 per cent cut to student HECs debt as their first action this week, while the government will also introduce new laws to cut funding to childcare centres that fail to meet standards.

Authorised officers will also be given new powers to conduct spot checks at centres with no warning.

Meanwhile, the Opposition is expected to target Labor’s plans to increase the amount of tax on unrealised gains on superannuation accounts above $3 million.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in his office at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The Coalition will also attack Labor on the stuttering economy, ahead of a roundtable helmed by Treasurer Jim Chalmers bringing together businesses, union and industry groups next month in an effort to kick start Australia’s faltering productivity.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers holds a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Opposition leader Sussan Ley said her party would support discussion on major reform but “our good will is not a blank cheque”.

“Millions of Australians voted for Labor based on the promise of lower taxes and they expect Anthony Albanese to keep that promise,” she said.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. Picture: NewsWire / John Gass

The Prime Minister on Sunday flagged the upcoming term of government would require grappling with rapidly changing technologies.

“I’m quite excited about parliament resuming. I am a nerd when it comes to parliament. I actually enjoy the institution of parliament,” he said.

“Our country continues to evolve. And over this term of parliament, because of the changes that are there in the world, the new technology, artificial intelligence – what will the impact be on the nature of work, on the way that we function as a society?...When I was elected, there wasn’t an internet.”

Originally published as What to expect as politicians flock back to Canberra after a three-month break