Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he won't take his party's runaway victory for granted, as Australia's 48th parliament sits for the first time. On Labor's agenda: a 20% reduction in HECS debt, and major childcare reform.

Canberra

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the start of Australia's 48th Parliament, accompanied by his son, as the government prepares to advance its legislative agenda with a comfortable majority in the lower house. The mood among Labor MPs is positive, particularly with 24 new members joining the caucus.

The government is prioritizing cost of living relief, beginning with a 20% reduction in HECS debt and reforms to the childcare sector. Meanwhile, the opposition, facing a challenging term and lagging in recent polls, is focusing on economic and tax issues as Parliament resumes.

Parliament returns for first time since Labor's election win

On the front foot, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his son Nathan braving the Canberra cold, walking to work from the Lodge to Parliament House. Setting the pace for Australia's 48th Parliament, which starts tomorrow. What I want to see is a positive agenda going forward. And with 94 seats in the lower house, that agenda will be made easier. And the Government knows it. The mood very upbeat at this afternoon's caucus meeting, especially among the 24 new Labor MPs. We should never, ever, ever take it for granted. The Coalition now facing a challenging term in opposition. We won't be judged by the headlines of the day. What we will be judged by is what we offer the Australian people. But it's hard to ignore the latest news poll. The Coalition's primary vote now at 29% compared to Labor's 36%. We can sit in the corner in the fetal position and give up, or we can come out swinging. The Labor Government has a pretty straightforward and concise plan this week to fulfil its promises. Because while the election may be over, the country's battle with the cost of living crisis continues. It'll start by slashing HECS debt by 20% on Wednesday. Making a difference of an average of $5,500. And addressing urgent reforms to Australia's childcare sector. To make sure that we can restore confidence in a system in which we should be confident caring for our vulnerable little ones. The opposition honing in on the economy and tax. I haven't met a single Australian who wants to pay more tax. Matthew Karstunen, 10 News.

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