Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE starting June 12 2026

The new parliament will soon meet for the first time. Here are Anthony Albanese's priorities

The prime minister says four bills to be introduced to the new parliament during the first sitting week will begin to build a better future for Australia.

A man speaking.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Source: AAP / Paul Braven

Key Points

  • Introducing paid family and domestic violence leave will be one of the first priorities of the federal government.
  • The proposed law will allow Australian workers to access 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave.

Introducing paid family and domestic violence leave will be one of the first priorities of the federal government when the new parliament meets.

The government's proposed laws will allow any Australian worker to access 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave.

It will deliver on an election promise to ensure work is not a barrier for someone who needs to leave a violent home life.

Parliament house.
The 47th parliament will meet for the first time on Tuesday and sit for two weeks. Source: AAP

Aged care reforms and enshrining the government's 43 per cent emissions reduction target in law are also among the prime minister's priorities.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

The proposed aged care law intends to put nurses back into nursing homes, put a stop to high administration and management fees and improve integrity and accountability for residential homes.

In the jobs and skills sector, the government will propose to establish a new statutory body to provide independent advice on workforce needs and help tackle Australia's labour crisis.

The 47th parliament will meet for the first time on Tuesday and sit for two weeks.

The first sitting week will be about starting to create a better future for Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

"Australians voted for change and my government is working hard and delivering," he said in a statement.

"These are important first steps towards fixing aged care, protecting vulnerable Australians, addressing the challenges in our economy and working with our friends and allies to confront the challenges and opportunities from our changing climate.

"No one held back, no one left behind, and a parliament all Australians can be proud of - that's what I'll be focused on when we meet together next week."

While the government has a 77-seat majority required to pass legislation in the lower house, the senate presents a challenge.

Holding just 26 seats in the Senate, well short of the required majority, the government will need to negotiate with the 18-strong cross-bench or the opposition to gain 39 votes to pass legislation.


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: SBS, AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world