Politicians from both sides of the chamber will pay tribute to the sacrifice of firefighters and volunteers who faced this summer’s bushfire crisis when Federal Parliament returns this year.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced the first parliamentary sitting day, on 4 February in Canberra, will be dedicated to honouring their response.
He said those who have lost their lives and “bravely and selflessly” served would be recognised as a "mark of respect".
“It is fitting that the Parliament reflects the deep gratitude felt by all Australians,” he said.
“These fires have been devastating but through these terrible times we have also witnessed the Australian spirit on display with an outpouring of love, support, courage and generosity."
The prime minister will move a motion of condolence on behalf of all Members of Parliament, which will recognise the service of first responders and others for their “incredible generosity” to people impacted by the fires.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese during Question Time. Source: AAP
“Sadly we have lost too many Australians to this disaster and the Parliament will rightly acknowledge all those who have lost loved ones and those who have suffered injuries or lost their homes or suffered in any way as a result of the recent bushfires,” he said.
The motion will be the only formal business considered by the Parliament, with all members given the opportunity to speak.
Labor leader Anthony Albanese had already written to the PM suggesting a similar recognition.
A special event will also be held in Canberra for those who have lost loved ones, alongside representatives from the NSW Rural Fire Service and the Victorian Country Fire Authority.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and daughters Abbey and Lily lay a wreath at the National Emergency Services Memorial on Australia Day. Source: AAP
The political climate as Parliament returns
The announcement comes as another poll draws attention to criticism aimed at the prime minister's response to the unprecedented bushfires this summer.
More than a third of voters (36 per cent) surveyed “strongly disapproved” of Mr Morrison's approach, and 21 per cent disapproved, while 24 per cent backed his response.
The survey of 1081 respondents between 7-11 January was commissioned by the Australian Conservation Foundation, Environment Victoria and the Nature Conservation Council.
Mr Morrison has faced scrutiny over his decision to take a family holiday to Hawaii, in December last year, with his government's climate policies another point of contention.
On one visit to fire-affected communities in Cobargo, he was heckled and one firefighter refused to shake his hand.
The PM has since apologised for leaving the country, and dedicated significant time since communicating the federal government's bushfire response.
This includes a $2 billion bushfire fund to help communities recover and rebuild from the fires.
Mr Morrison has also recognised the contribution of climate change to the fires, saying Australia is taking action to "meet and beat" its Paris commitments.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison tours the fire devastated Wildflower farm owned by Paul and Melissa Churchman in Sarsfield, Victoria. Source: AAP
Ministers under scrutiny
The return to Parliament also comes as controversy circles ministers Senator Bridget Mckenzie and Angus Taylor.
Mr Morrison has asked the head of his department, Philip Gaetjens, to investigate Senator McKenzie over whether she breached ministerial standards through her handling of $100 million in sports grants.
Auditor-General Grant Herir found the former sports minister’s funding decisions favoured marginal electorates before the previous election and ignored-merit based recommendations.
Now agriculture minister, Senator McKenzie, has resisted calls to resign from Labor saying “no rules were broken” and all community projects funded were eligible.
Mr Morrison has backed his minister but has said he will take “whatever action was necessary” once receiving the independent report
New South Wales police has referred an investigation relating to Energy Minister Angus Taylor use of doctored documents in a political attack, to the Australian Federal Police.
The inquiry involves his use of an altered City of Sydney document, which cited inflated figures to attack the travel record of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
Mr Taylor has repeatedly denied wrongdoing saying there was evidence of multiple copies on the council's website.
Labor is expected to intensify its political attack against both ministers when Parliament returns.
With additional reporting from AAP
