MPs turn backs on Welcome to Country

One Nation’s four members staged a silent protest during the Welcome to Country acknowledgments on Tuesda

Maverick MP Bob Katter appeared to nod off on the first day of the new parliament, looking like he was catching up on some sleep during Governor General Sam Mostyn’s address to parliament.

While Ms Mostyn was outlining Labor’s ambitious second-term agenda, the Kennedy MP looked to be snoozing.

Affectionately known as the Father of the House, Mr Katter appeared to wake up after parliamentarians applauded Ms Mostyn’s speech, and followed suit.

Bob Katter appeared to nod off during the Governor-General Sam Mostyn’s address to the Senate. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

He was roused by the clapping at the end of Ms Mostyn’s speech. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Katter also ditched tradition by refusing to swear allegiance to King Charles, his heirs and successors, stating his allegiance was to the “Australian people”.

While the objection didn’t disrupt formalities it did echo actions by independent senator Lidia Thorpe who claimed she pledged allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II’s “hairs” on not “heirs” when she was sworn into parliament in 2022.

MPs and senators are supposed to say: “I do,” when asked to pledge faith and allegiance to King Charles III, however, the Kennedy MP said: “No, I swear allegiance to the Australian people”.

Mr Katter has previously been critical of the monarchy and said Australian coins should feature Australian heroes instead of images of King Charles III.

One nation stages silent protest

One Nation’s increased Senate presence of four members also staged a silent protest during the Welcome to Country acknowledgements.

One Nation senators turned their backs away from the chamber during Sue Line’s Welcome to Country acknowledgement. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

Party leader Pauline Hanson, Malcolm Roberts and new additions, Western Australian senator Tyron Whitten and NSW senator Warwick Stacey, turned their backs away from the chamber during the acknowledgement.

The protest lasted for about five seconds and did not appear to interrupt proceedings.

Senator Hanson has previously called the practice “divisive,” and has called for the gesture to be scrapped from schools, sporting events and official events.

Labor’s thumping majority in action

majority was laid bare, with government MPs crossing into benches normally reserved for the Opposition and crossbench.

Labor has swanned into the 48th parliament with a thumping 94-seat majority. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

Anthony Albanese’s majority was starkly obvious in a day dominated by procedure and rituals like morning Mass, a smoking ceremony and a Welcome to Country at the font of parliament.

Inside the House of Representatives, newly elected Braddon MP Anne Urquhart was seen hugging parliament’s tallest MP Matt Smith, with the 2.1 metre former professional basketballer striking a towering presence over the former Tasmanian senator.

Leichhardt MP Matt Smith cut a towering figure in the House of Representatives standing next to former Tasmanian senator turned Braddon MP Anne Urquhart. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

Kicking off the day, the Prime Minister, fiance Jodie Haydon and Sussan Ley attended ceremony mass at Canberra’s Wesley Uniting Church.

Speaking to reporters after Tuesday morning’s service, the Opposition Leader said it offered “sober reflection” but wasted no time in getting down to brass tacks.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have attended a mass ahead of parliament reopening. Picture: Martin Ollman / NewsWire

Ms Ley and Mr Albanese shared a pew at Canberra’s Wesley Uniting Church. Picture: Martin Ollman / NewsWire

“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 woman Serena Williams led the ceremony. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

Nathan Albanese also accompanied his dad to work. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

Sussan Ley also attended the smoking ceremony. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman

“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.

However the politician churn and burn was ever-present.

While the Coalition has vowed to target Labor on its tax agenda, capitalising on leaked Treasury advice which urged Jim Chalmers to consider new taxes to fix the budget, the Treasurer swiftly returned fire.

“Sussan Ley wants Australians to forget the Liberal Party just went to an election promising to legislate higher taxes for every Australian taxpayer,” he said in a statement.

“Every single Australian taxpayer would be paying more tax if Sussan Ley had her way.”

Originally published as MPs turn backs on Welcome to Country