The 48th Parliament has convened for the first time, welcoming 24 newly elected Members of Parliament.

The Government has outlined its legislative priorities for the current parliamentary sitting period, with a continued focus on easing cost-of-living pressures for Australians.

The first piece of legislation introduced, and now passed by the House of Representatives, will reduce student debt by 20 per cent. This measure is expected to lower the average student loan balance by approximately $5,500 for more than three million Australians. The legislation will also increase the student loan repayment threshold to $67,000, giving new graduates a much-needed head start at the beginning of their careers.

Other key initiatives include:

• Delivering Cheaper Medicines legislation to ensure all medications on the PBS cost no more than $25 from January 2026;
• Enshrining penalty rates in law to provide greater certainty for workers;
• Enhancing child care safety by allowing for funding cuts to centres that repeatedly fail to meet national standards and granting new powers for unannounced inspections.

The Government has also highlighted changes that took effect on 1 July 2025, which aim to provide further cost-of-living relief and workforce support. These measures include:

• A 3.5% wage increase for approximately 3 million workers;
• A 30% discount on home batteries to reduce long-term energy costs;
• A $150 energy rebate for all households;
• Paid placements for student nurses, teachers, social workers, and midwives;
• A $10,000 cash incentive for apprentices in the construction sector;
• An increase in Government Paid Parental Leave to 24 weeks in 2025, progressing to 26 weeks by 2026;
• The inclusion of superannuation on Government Paid Parental Leave;
• An increase in the Superannuation Guarantee to 12%;
• An extension of the $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off to support small businesses.

During this sitting fortnight, newly elected Members and Senators are delivering their First Speeches in Parliament. Among the first to speak in the House of Representatives was the Member for Dickson, Ali France, and the Member for Melbourne, Sarah Witty.

The new parliamentary caucus reflects broader community representation, including increased participation by women, young people, individuals living with disability, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.