News from our Parliament

The Parliament has passed bills to allow law enforcement agencies to manage the way Australians who may have links to terrorist groups re-enter Australia, with the introduction of a temporary exclusion order (TEO) scheme to delay their return.

The Usher of the Black Rod—a Senate parliamentary officer—has several busy roles in the official opening ceremonies for the 46th Parliament.

Senator Rex Patrick introduced the Constitution Alteration (Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Press) 2019 that would change the Australian Constitution to explicitly include freedom of speech and freedom of the press as basic rights.

The Parliament has passed a bill to lower personal income taxes paid by Australians.

The Parliament paid tribute to former Prime Minister the Hon Robert James Lee Hawke AC.

The 46th Parliament opened on 2 July with 45 newly-elected members, including 27 in the House of Representatives and 18 new senators.

His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) has been sworn-in as Australia’s 27th Governor-General. 

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP has been elected as leader of the Australian Labor Party and also Leader of the Opposition, with the Hon Richard Marles MP elected as Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

The Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, has announced that an election will be held on 18 May 2019.

The Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, has announced that an election will be held on 18 May 2019.