The first sitting day of the 47th parliament got underway on Tuesday, with many new faces sitting in the House of Representatives and the Senate for the first time.
The day began with a Welcome to Country ceremony, where Aunty Matilda House and Paul House welcomed politicians to Ngunnawal and Ngambri country. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese began his address by restating the government’s agenda to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full.
Albanese also acknowledged the record number of First Nations people who have been elected to the 47th parliament. “It is a very good thing indeed,” he said.
He went on to urge all his parliamentary colleagues, including the Opposition, to get behind the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
“Don’t miss the chance, because you’re not here for that long,” he said.
“None of us will be. And when you’re sitting on the porch, thinking about what you did, you can either have a source of pride, or a source of regret. There’s no middle path, no middle path. Make it a source of pride.”
The government plans to introduce some major legislation in the first weeks of parliament, including a climate change bill, 10 days of paid domestic and family violence leave, and reform in aged care.
Here are some key moments from the first sitting day of federal parliament:
Historic crossbench sworn in
The wave of female independents who made history when they were elected in May were sworn into parliament on Tuesday, making their pledge of allegiance to the role.
In the House of Representatives, Zoe Daniel, Dr Monique Ryan, Allegra Spender, Dr Sophie Scamps, Kylea Tink, Kate Chaney and Dai Le made the pledge as first time politicians.
The Senate gets a new President, Labor’s Sue Lines
Western Australian Senator Sue Lines was elected as the Senate President, becoming the first woman from the Labor Party to hold the important role. Senator Lines said she would do her utmost to be a “a fair and consultative president”.
Senator Penny Wong, who is the Leader of the Government in the Senate, congratulated Senator Lines on the appointment.
“It’s taken a long time but I’m pleased that we see yet another woman serving in this high office,” Senator Wong said.
“I’m confident Senator Lines will represent the interests of the Senate and the parliament as a whole, particularly when it comes to matters of privilege.”
The Greens nominated Senator Dorinda Cox, also from Western Australia, for the position of Senate President.
“Very proud to nominate proud First Nations woman Greens Senator Dorinda Cox as President of the Senate.,” Senator Larissa Waters said. “Our parliament should look as diverse as our community – and it should be presided over by a First Nations person. Let’s walk the talk of a new chapter of respect.”
Labor’s Milton Dick was elected as Speaker in the House of Representatives.
Historic number of First Nations people in parliament
An historic number of First Nations politicians are now in federal parliament, with 11 members across the House and Senate. Senator Jana Stewart, who posted about entering parliament at 35 weeks pregnant, is one of them. “Casually taking my seat in the Senate today at 35 weeks pregnant,” Senator Stewart wrote on social media.
New MPs post about their first day in parliament
A number of new members of parliament posted on social media about their excitement on the first day of parliament.