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 Sep. 9 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.
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 Sep. 9.
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
