‘Seize the moment’: Anthony Albanese’s big statement to parliament

Anthony Albanese issued a blunt reminder to politicians in a major speech marking the opening of the 47th parliament.

A “big deal”, that’s how Anthony Albanese has described the first day of the new parliament.

Changes of government are rare in federal politics and have only occurred eight times since the end of World War II.

After nine years in opposition, Labor will switch sides and occupy government benches with a promise to hit the ground running.

The 47th parliament will come to life with a day filled with mostly pomp and ceremony on Tuesday.

The Prime Minister, alongside Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, senators and MPs, attended an early church service in Canberra.

Anthony Albanese attended an early-morning church service in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

It was followed by a Welcome to Country from Paul House, a Ngambri-Ngunnawal custodian, in the Great Hall of Parliament House.

He said the 47th parliament would be “profoundly important” for First Nations people and the country.

“This government has committed to implementing the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Voice, Treaty and Truth-telling,” Mr House said.

“We trust this parliament will act responsibly in embracing all three key elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.”

Later, Mr Albanese reminded parliamentarians that the Welcome to Country only became part of official proceedings in 2008.

“We went ahead and we did it, and today, you have, I’m sure, every member of the House of Representatives and Senate across the political spectrum who can be here is here,” he said.

“We have record numbers of the public are here. And no one says that shouldn’t have happened.

A Welcome to Country kicked off the formalities at Parliament House. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“When Kevin Rudd delivered the apology, some said that also shouldn’t have happened, but there’s no one today who says that did anything other than bring our nation together.”

He said Australia had another “moment” ahead of it and encouraged parliamentarians to “seize” the opportunity to enshrine a First Nations voice to parliament within this term of government.

“I say to everyone here, all of my parliamentary colleagues, don’t miss the chance because you’re not here for that long,” Mr Albanese added.

“And when you’re sitting on the porch, thinking about what you did, you can either have a source of pride or a source of regret. There’s no middle path. Make it a source of pride.”

Mr Dutton also addressed the congregation but did not directly address the referendum or the voice to parliament in his speech.

Mr Albanese and Mr Dutton shake hands at a church service in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Later, all parliamentarians will need to be sworn in, including the 35 new lower house MPs and 12 new senators.

A new speaker of the House and president of the Senate will need to be elected – roles expected to be filled by Milton Dick and Sue Lines respectfully.

Governor-General David Hurley will address the parliament with a speech outlining the priorities of the new government.

A 19-gun salute on the lawns outside of Parliament House will follow.

The day will be taken up mostly by ceremonial matters. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

The ceremonial matters will take up most of the day’s proceedings, but it’s expected some new MPs will deliver their first speeches later on Tuesday evening.

Mr Albanese has flagged he wants to introduce 18 pieces of legislation over the first two sitting weeks of parliament.

Aged care, domestic and family violence leave and enshrining a 2030 emissions reduction target are expected to be the first bills off the bat for the government.