It was a chaotic end to the final parliamentary sitting week of the year, after a series of delays eventually led to the passage of new encryption laws.
2018 has been a chaotic year in federal politics, with the final parliamentary sitting week proving to be no exception.
The government was pushing for encryption laws giving intelligence agencies new powers to crack encrypted devices, while Labor and the crossbench backed a Nauru bill introduced by Independent MP Kerryn Phelps, seeking to allow critically ill refugees to be flown to Australia for medical treatment under the advice of two doctors.
After a series of senate delays created a legislative traffic jam, it appeared both bills would remain unresolved over the Christmas break until Labor leader Bill Shorten handed the Coalition an unexpected last-minute victory.
While the government was able to secure an 11th hour victory, not everyone is happy with how the week wrapped up.
The Nauru bill passed in the Senate but remains on hold until it is put before the lower house.
Independent MP Kerryn Phelps told Sky News she’ll continue to push for the legislation when Parliament returns in 2019.
Multicultural groups were shocked by the passage of new laws blocking migrants granted a permanent skilled or family visa after January the 1st from accessing Newstart welfare payments for four years.
Greens senator Janet Rice says her party is horrified Labor chose to back the legislation.
And there was more shock after Liberal Democrat senator David Leyonhjelm ((LION-helm)) thanked people he called "young brown men" for their contribution to Australia's economy.
"Let me say thank you to Australia's young brown men. The young brown men I come across in my day-to-day life are often in low-paid jobs. They drive me in their Ubers and taxis. They deliver my online purchases, my groceries and my pizza."
And Australia’s school students continued to engage in political activism, holding protests in the foyer of Canberra’s Parliament House condemning the Adani mine.
There are just six parliamentary sitting days scheduled for 2019 before the federal election is due in May.
If this year is anything to go by, Canberra is in for a whirlwind 2019.
