THE SQUIZ

Greeting Labor MPs as they assembled in Canberra ahead of the opening of the 47th Parliament today, PM Anthony Albanese has urged his team to “cherish each and every day” in government and to get ready to be busy. “We often came to the parliament without much to do in terms of an agenda before the parliament. This Labor Government will not be like that, and we will hit the ground running.” He also talked up his “significant platform”, which will be outlined today in a speech by Governor-General David Hurley. 

WHAT MAKES UP THIS ‘SIGNIFICANT PLATFORM’?

Albanese says he’s good to go with 18+ new pieces of legislation. That includes Labor’s commitment to cut emissions by 43% by 2030 – a promise that doesn’t require legislation. There some wheeling and dealing with the Greens being done on that as we speak… There are also bills to dismantle the construction industry watchdog, bring in domestic violence leave, address issues in aged care, and expand child care support. And by the end of the year, Albanese says there will be legislation to create a federal integrity commission. Coalition leader Peter Dutton also rallied his troops, sans former PM Scott Morrison…

WHAT ELSE IS ON THE GOVERNMENT’S MIND?

COVID. The number of people hospitalised for COVID yesterday topped the previous peak set in early-January. There are currently 5,439 people in hospital across Oz – that’s come on top of another wave of cases in aged care homes. Support from the Defence Force has been extended – Deputy PM Richard Marles says it’s “not a long-term solution … but at this moment, it’s really important that we do everything we can to provide all the assistance necessary.” Up to 15% of aged care staff have COVID and are currently isolating, and that’s led to big problems with delivering quality care to residents. And if you’re up for another not so fun fact: 95% of COVID cases recorded in Australia are from this year. Yikes…