The 48th Australian Parliament convened on Tuesday, with new MPs Ali France and Sarah Witty delivering their first speeches. France unseated Peter Dutton in Dickson, while Witty defeated Adam Bandt in Melbourne. Witty spoke about her journey through foster care, describing how she and her husband turned personal pain into a positive path to parenthood.
Labor senator Sue Lines was returned as Senate president despite a surprise challenge from Pauline Hanson, who proposed David Pocock for the role. Milton Dick was re-elected as Speaker of the House, after being 'dragged' to the chair in a traditional ceremony.
The Coalition announced it would support legislation to cut student debt by 20%, marking a policy backflip since the federal election campaign. The Senate is expected to hold an inquiry into the devastating algal bloom off South Australia's coastline, with a motion co-sponsored by Labor, Coalition, and Nationals senators to be debated on Wednesday.
Environment Minister Murray Watt announced $14 million in recovery funding, but Nationals senator Ross Cadell said 'the people of South Australia need more than a promise of funding. They need clear answers on what the money will be used for.'
Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi sparked controversy by holding a sign reading 'Sanction Israel' during the governor general's speech. Protests calling for sanctions on Israel continued elsewhere in Canberra.
Minutes from the Reserve Bank board meeting confirmed further interest rate cuts are expected, with the focus on timing. Witty concluded her speech with a call to fix the housing system, address climate change, and push equality, stating 'we are building a future where no one is forgotten and everyone belongs.'
