Anthony Albanese returns to Canberra after world visits
It’s back to the grind of domestic politics for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after making significant headway with world leaders in Washington, Beijing and the Cook Islands.
Both houses of parliament will meet from Monday, after a week of all-business in the Senate.
The return of parliament comes after the prime minister strengthened the US-Australia alliance with President Joe Biden in Washington last month, before last week becoming the first Australian leader to visit China in seven years and thawing relations with President Xi Jinping .
Mr Albanese also unveiled a new partnership with Tuvalu during his visit to the Pacific Islands Forum.
Anthony Albanese has returned to Canberra for Parliament after soaking up the local hospitality in the Cook Islands last week
He returns to the debate over controversial workplace reforms, which will increase protections for gig economy workers and allow casuals to transition to permanent work.
The Senate voted last week to remove non-controversial elements from the bill, such as greater protections for first responders and people dealing with domestic violence, so it can go into effect by the new year.
The House of Commons will come under pressure to vote in favor of the split-up bill as debate over the wider measures continues.
Gambling reforms, a strengthening of disability support and further tranches of paid parental leave will be the focus of the House of Representatives.
Measures to make it easier for older Australians to re-enter the workforce are also on the agenda.
Anthony Albanese meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing
In other business, the House will mark on Monday the fifth anniversary of the apology to victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
As a political battle rages in the Senate over controversial changes to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, the debate will take up much of the week.
Senators will also focus on a controversial maritime dumping law, along with measures against terrorism.
Events in the Middle East are expected to be the subject of much debate in the coming week, amid growing calls for a ceasefire in the region.
Political leaders have urged greater social cohesion after clashes between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups during protests in Australia.
US President Joe Biden (left) hosted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) at a state dinner at the White House last month