Integrity, climate and cost of living will be back in focus as federal parliament meets for its spring session.
The two-week sitting period of the upper and lower houses will be the last before the Labor government delivers its first budget on October 25.
The government is expected to introduce its proposal for a national anti-corruption watchdog following a consultation period by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus.
A Commonwealth integrity commission was designed by the former Liberal-National coalition government but legislation was not brought to parliament for consideration before the parties’ May election defeat.
The crossbench, many of whom were elected on a platform of returning integrity to parliament, are yet to scrutinise Labor’s proposal.
“We haven’t seen (the legislation) yet … it’s anticipated on Tuesday (and) that will be a really important step for integrity and transparency,” independent MP Zali Steggall told Sky News on Sunday.
“It will then go to a joint standing committee for an inquiry and people will be able to make submissions to make sure this model works for increasing transparency and accountability in government.”
Meanwhile, the government is resisting pressure to ditch coalition-initiated stage three tax cuts for high earners, which are set to benefit men the most.
With the full fuel excise returning at the end of the month, which will push petrol prices back up by 22 cents a litre, measures to ease the cost of living for Australians will also remain in the spotlight.
Legislation to set a 43 per cent emissions reduction target will be debated in the Senate, with Labor needing the support of all 12 Greens senators and one crossbencher to get the bill through parliament.
The coalition will not support the bill.
The Senate will also debate laws to restore territory rights to enable the ACT and NT to legislate for voluntary euthanasia in line with states.
Labor senators are allowed a conscience vote on the matter and the bill is expected to pass.
In addition, the government will seek to take action on key outcomes reached at last week’s jobs and skills summit.
Changes to fair work laws have been flagged to allow all workers and businesses to negotiate in good faith for agreements that benefit them.
This includes small businesses, women, care and community services sectors, and First Nations people.
Laws will also be amended to remove unnecessary limitations on access to single and multi-employer agreements.
These changes will require the approval of both houses of parliament.
Action will be taken this year on the 36 outcomes identified from the summit, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Friday.
© AAP 2022
