Economic relief, veteran health to dominate parliament

The federal government will be under pressure over a slowing economy when parliament resumes. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Concerns over the rising cost of living and a slowing economy will be front and centre when federal politicians return to Parliament House for the upcoming sitting fortnight.

Figures have shown weak growth for the economy and the government will hope measures on the agenda for new parents and university students will ease hip-pocket concerns.

But the coalition is expected to intensify its pressure on the government in parliament from Monday over visa and migration issues, as well as monetary woes following forecasts from the Reserve Bank a cut in interest rates would not be imminent.

Debate is expected to continue in the lower house on measures to pay superannuation on top of government paid-parental leave for new mums and dads.

Queensland MP Gerard Rennick
Queensland MP Gerard Rennick will move to the crossbench when the Senate returns.

Extra relief for university pupils will be on the cards in the House of Representatives, with talks to continue on laws to lower the amount of interest paid on student debt, as well as payments for those doing practical training as part of their course.

The mental health of defence personnel will be in the spotlight, with the government to receive a royal commission's final report into veteran suicide.

The report will be handed down after more than three years of evidence.

A fight on housing is set to emerge in the Senate, with the future of the government's build-to-rent scheme facing an uncertain future.

The scheme would allow for investors to receive tax breaks for the construction of new homes if they are used only for renters.

The coalition has opposed the plan because of concerns it would create a dependence on renting, while the Greens have criticised the proposal for not doing enough to solve housing shortages.

The government would need the support of either the coalition or the Greens to get its build to rent policy through the Senate, with housing to be one of the biggest issues at the federal election in 2025.

The Senate crossbench will also grow by an extra person on Monday.

Gerard Rennick will move to the crossbench as an independent after quitting the coalition after being kicked off the party's federal election ticket.

The Queensland senator, who became known for his stance against vaccine mandates during the COVID pandemic, plans to register a new political party for the next federal election.

Voters will have to head to the polls by May 2025.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Open Arms 1800 011 046

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store