Anthony Albanese, Sussan Ley to face political blowtorch as Parliament returns
Rival leaders will share a moment of reflection before returning to the parliamentary furnace, with leadership tensions and a likely rate hike to keep MPs busy.
Federal politicians will mark the official return of Parliament with a traditional church service before a fiery question time.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be joined by Opposition Leader Sussan Ley for a service at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Canberra on Tuesday morning.
Parliament was recalled early last month to pass hate crime laws in response to the Bondi massacre in December.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Uncertainty remains over Ms Ley’s leadership following the Coalition’s acrimonious split, brought forward by Nationals leader David Littleproud.
Her leadership team will look to put the pressure back on Labor with economists tipping the Reserve Bank will hike interest rates on Tuesday.
The Liberals will also float a new deregulation agenda, while debate in the House of Representatives will resume for bills concerning veterans’ affairs, higher education and health.
Mr Littleproud on Monday saw off a bid from Queensland backbencher Colin Boyce to challenge his leadership of the Nationals, with the spill motion failing to get the backing it needed for a formal vote to be held.
Ms Ley will likely face a challenge of her own this fortnight with Angus Taylor believed to be eyeing off the Liberal leadership.
Monash University head of politics Zareh Ghazarian said the next two weeks will be setting up the leaders’ respective “political fortunes”.
“I’m not sure Labor needs to do anything as the coalition well and truly dissects itself for defeat,” he said.
“The Labor Party and the rest of Australia will be looking to see how the coalition tries to position itself as parliament starts for the year.”
Dr Ghazarian said the role of opposition leader was always going to be a tough gig following the heavy election loss at the 2025 federal poll.
Addressing a Labor caucus meeting on Monday, Mr Albanese pointed to the political division within the Liberal and National parties.
He spoke of the collective support within Labor compared to the opposition which was “determined to tear each other down”.
