Foreign tensions, domestic impasses await at parliament

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has threatened a double dissolution if housing reform isn't agreed. (Jeremy Piper/AAP PHOTOS)

Escalations in the Middle East are expected to dominate debate in federal parliament as MPs return to Canberra, with the government also seeking to resolve a housing stalemate.

A day after commemorations and candlelight vigils were held to mark the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel, tensions over the conflict are likely to be a focal point during the shortened sitting week.

On the domestic front, the government is hoping a two-week break from parliament will be able to provide a breakthrough for an impasse over Labor's signature housing policy.

Negotiations over the Help to Buy scheme - which would allow for first home buyers to purchase a property with a lower deposit - stalled, resulting in the coalition and Greens delaying a vote on the measure.

House for auction
Negotiations will continue over the government's Help to Buy scheme legislation.

The government has signalled it would reintroduce the same laws in the House of Representatives in the hope of breaking a deadlock on the issue.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hinted a double dissolution election could be on the cards, with the housing bill a possible trigger for a national poll involving all lower house MPs and senators.

Housing Minister Clare O'Neil laid out a challenge to the opposition and crossbench to back the housing changes.

"Every time the coalition and the Greens have had a chance to help renters of first-home buyers, they have chosen politics over progress," she said.

"This week they get the chance to make progress for first home buyers in the parliament.

"Australians wanting to buy their first home expect more than further delay."

The government is also hopeful the sitting week will be fruitful for cost-of-living relief measures, following a drop in inflation since MPs last gathered in Canberra.

Debate will centre on measures to reduce HECS debt for university students, along with a wage increase for childcare workers.

A 15 per cent wage rise for staff in the sector will be phased in over two years from December.

Childcare centres will be eligible to apply for federal funding to deliver the pay rise, on the condition fees for parents won't be raised by more than 4.4 per cent in the 12 months to August 2025.

Child plays at daycare centre
Debate will continue on a 15 per cent pay rise for childcare workers.

Mr Albanese said the changes would see workers in the industry get an extra $150 a week in their take-home pay.

"Early educators shape lives and change lives. They deserve more than our thanks, they deserve to be paid fairly," he said.

"Parents want their children to be safe, happy and to have the very best start in life. This funding is about the fair pay for the people who make this possible."

Laws are also expected to be introduced to parliament on schools funding, as well as a crackdown on multi-national companies not paying tax.

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