Tax cuts in focus as parliament resumes

Passing promised income tax cuts are at the top of the Morrison government's agenda as the 46th federal parliament comes to life.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison

Scott Morrison's government has succeeded in getting $158b in income tax cuts passed. Source: AAP

Six weeks after Australians voted to keep Scott Morrison their prime minister, the leader is faced with the task of getting his promised income tax cuts signed off by parliament.

But before his government gets down to business, there will be plenty of pomp and ceremony to mark the start of a new parliament.

Australia's 46th parliament will spring into life in Canberra's cold winter, with 151 MPs and 42 of the country's 76 senators to be sworn in after a welcome to country ceremony on Tuesday.

New governor-general David Hurley will address a joint sitting of parliament in the afternoon after he officially becomes head of state on Monday.

Condolences for legendary Labor prime minister Bob Hawke will be the sole item of business on Wednesday before parliament moves to legislation on Thursday.

That's when $158 billion in personal tax cuts are expected to dominate proceedings in the Senate.

Labor's caucus, due to meet on Monday, is expected to endorse the shadow cabinet's decision to allow the first stage to pass and bring forward the second stage of the tax plan.

But the opposition has reserved its position on the third and final stage of the cuts, which won't come into effect until 2024/25.

With the government playing hardball in refusing to split the package, the coalition will need the help of four crossbench senators to secure the bill's passage.

But it is still holding out hope Labor will come to the table with enough pressure.

"The failure to deliver tax relief for hard-working Australians will be a stain that will haunt Labor and Anthony Albanese all the way to the next election if they block this agenda," government frontbencher Simon Birmingham told reporters in Adelaide.

Nonetheless, the possibility of a late-night sitting on Thursday, which could possibly drag into the early hours of Friday, looms with government senators told to hold fire on travel plans.

The coalition's other priorities are expected to include laws to force energy companies to drive down prices and ensure reliability, and tougher sanctions on rogue unions and union bosses.

Mr Morrison promised to urgently pursue measures to stop and control foreign fighters returning to Australia, and crack down on farm invaders during the election campaign.

The government has also flagged its intention to repeal laws which make it easier for refugees in offshore processing to be brought to Australia for medical treatment.

Amid dozens of new faces in both chambers, House of Representatives Speaker Tony Smith and Senate President Scott Ryan are expected to be re-elected.

In the Senate, unpredictable Tasmanian independent Jacqui Lambie will take her place on the crossbench after winning her way back into parliament.

Ms Lambie is one of three people regaining her seat after being disqualified during the dual citizenship debacle, with One Nation's Malcolm Roberts and Labor's Katy Gallagher also returning.

Tony Abbott won't figure for the first time since 1994 after the former prime minister lost his seat to independent Zali Steggall, who is set to take her place on the crossbench in the lower house.


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Source: AAP



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