Canberra: the week in review 26 July 2019

As Parliament returned for the first full sitting fortnight since the election, the week was a win for the government after Labor backed a number of the Coalition’s laws.

Australian Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg presents the 'Tax Relief So Working Australians Keep More Of Their Money' bill during debate in Parliament Source: AAP

It was also an opportunity for new faces to make their mark during their first speech.

In other news Mr Morrison said his former chief of staff and Treasury boss Phil Gaetjens, will head the department of Prime Minister and Cabinet after confirming Martin Parkinson will step down.

And briefly, despite government opposition the Senate voted for an inquiry to be set up to look into the adequacy of Newstart payments amid growing calls to increase the rate – which has not risen above inflation since 1994.