Australian news and politics live: Senator Mehreen Faruqi stages silent protest during G-G Sam Mostyn’s speech

Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash has criticised the Albanese government for signing onto a joint statement alongside 24 other countries calling for an end to the war in Gaza, describing it as “disappointing.”

“It is disappointing that once again the Albanese government is supporting a statement attacking Israel,” Senator Cash said in a statement on X.

“First and foremost any moral outrage about the situation in Gaza should be directed at Hamas.

“Hamas could end the suffering of the people of Gaza by freeing the remaining Israeli hostages and laying down their weapons.

“This war began because of Hamas’s abhorrent attack on Israeli civilians.

“It is important that aid flows into Gaza. Proper quantities of food and other aid must be provided to the people of Gaza. However, the right system must be in place so that it can be distributed without Hamas intervening in the process.”

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US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has strongly condemned a recent statement signed by 25 countries, including Australia, calling on Israel to end the war in Gaza. He described the joint declaration as “disgusting.”

“Disgusting! 25 nations put pressure on @Israel instead of savages of Hamas,” Huckabee wrote on X.

He added, “Gaza suffers for 1 reason: Hamas rejects EVERY proposal. Blaming Israel is irrational.”

Anthony Albanese is now giving a response to the Welcome to Country and something of a defence of the traditional custom, which became a political football during the election campaign.

The Prime Minister describes it as a powerful way to begin any new parliament, but notes it only became part of proceedings in 2007.

“Like a lot of the most positive things about this country, we shouldn’t take it for granted,” he says.

“It is not controversial today and nor should it be. It is a respectful way of us beginning our deliberations here in Canberra, which of course means meeting place.”

A joint statement by Australia and 24 other nations calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza comes as pro-Palestine supporters rally in Canberra on Tuesday, marking the first sitting day of parliament since the May federal election.

The group is urging the government to sanction Israel and “end its support and complicity in genocide”.

Inside Parliament House, Greens Senator David Shoebridge will table a petition signed by more than 2,500 Australian healthcare workers, calling on the government to take action and end Israel’s violence, blockade, and weaponisation of aid in Gaza.

“Every signature on this letter is a voice refusing to be silent in the face of this genocide,” petition organiser and pharmacist Yossra Abouelfadl said.

“We cannot stand by while our colleagues in Gaza are killed, hospitals are targeted and patients are denied basic medical care.

“Enough words, enough statements, it’s time for action.”

After this morning’s church service, the next event in the day-long opening of Parliament extravaganza is a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony in the Great Hall.

Ngunnawal senior elder Violet Sheridan is giving the welcome, explaining the cultural tradition that has happened for thousands of years.

“To walk on Ngunnawal country is to accept responsibilities. It is not just about being here. It is about caring for this land, the waters and all living things, as my ancestors have done for thousands of generations,” she tells the gathered politicians and their families.

“As part of this welcome, I offer you spiritual protection and safe passage. May you all walk gently, listen and carry the spirit of this country with you.

“May your journey on Ngunnawal country be of understanding, respect and shared purpose, guided by the values of care, connection and community.”

The Governor-General will play a central role in the official opening of Australia’s 48th Parliament on Tuesday.

“As part of her constitutional duties, she will deliver a speech in the Senate chamber that sets out the Government’s agenda. The speech is prepared by the Government — and, as with His Majesty the King in the United Kingdom, the Governor-General gives voice to it, but does not influence or write it,” she said in an Instagram post.

Governor General Sam Mostyn explained how the ceremony works.

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Opposition leader Sussan Ley has called for Hamas to release hostages in the Gaza conflict.

Speaking to media in Canberra on the first day back of the Albanese Government’s second term, the Liberal leader was asked if she supported Penny Wong signing onto a joint statement calling for an end to the war in Gaza.

Ms Ley said while the Coalition wanted to “see aid reach those who deserve it”, it was important that Hamas, which she said had control over the “completely unacceptable” detention of hostages, acted in the interests of the people of Gaza.

“The first and most important thing to say about this issue is that there are still hostages in Gaza,” she said.

“A way to end the situation is for those hostages to be released by the terrorists Hamas who control so much of the activity there.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he’s ready to take on a big agenda as his second term kicks off today.

Exiting the Wesley Uniting Church, the Prime Minister spoke about the “opportunity” this whopping 94-seat majority has delivered.

“Everyday’s an opportunity to deliver for Australians and this week, we will have leadislation to do that,” he told reporters in Canberra.

“We’ll continue to work hard each and every day and the interests of Australians.”

The PM said the service, which allowed political rivals to put their differences aside, was a “wonderful way” to begin the parliamentary term.

Mr Albanese said he hoped “for the health and wellbeing of all Australians”.

The Government is starting the new parliamentary term determined to make a break from the past where bills got bogged down by political wrangling, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman has said.

“I think people saw in the last parliament the frustration of legislation sitting in the Senate, good bills that eventually did pass, they were sitting there for too long because people were holding them up. We want to get things done,” he said.

The Government was aiming to quickly pass its first tranche of legislation in the new sitting, starting with an election pledge to cut student debt by 20 per cent, he said.

“If the Coalition are still unsure about where they stand on that, then they should probably explain that to the Australian people, because it’s been on the agenda for so long,” he said.

“Robust debate in the parliament is a good thing. Stress Test the propositions, but once that’s done. There’s no need for delay. We need to get these bills through.”

Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie said the service at Wesley Uniting Church was a chance for rival parties to put their differences aside.

“Charity begins at home and it’s always a lovely way to start the parliamentary term to sit and reflect about why we’ve been sent here and how we can do our jobs to the best of our abilities to Australian people,” she said.