The Prime Minister has given clear signs that the current parliament might end its session after Thursday, which would cancel the possibility of a March budget and lead to an election being scheduled between mid-next month and early April. This comes amid a busy period in which the government celebrated a series of last-minute legislative victories during Question Time, achieving progress on child care access, production tax credits, electoral funding reform, and anti-hate laws. In the process, they also eliminated some stranded legislation, including proposals for nature positive reforms.
Recent weeks have seen the government striking deals with both the Greens and crossbench members, further solidifying their legislative agenda. A notable aspect of this political maneuvering was the emphasis placed on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s upcoming interest rate meeting, where many economists predict the first cash rate cut in four years—a move that could serve as a springboard for the government to claim success in managing inflation. The Prime Minister even stirred speculation about the timing of the next poll after being spotted in the Canberra Press Gallery, a rare move since assuming office.
Further adding to the political drama, one of the veteran backbenchers was ejected during what many believed was the final session of this parliament, prompting the Prime Minister to remark that it was the member’s “last day.” With hints that this might well be the final sitting, an election could potentially be called as early as this coming Sunday or as late as March 23, although delays could extend the campaign into April due to the Easter holiday. Some Labor members also alluded to the possibility that a May election might not be on the cards, reinforcing the strong signals that the current parliamentary term is drawing to a close.
During a lively session of Question Time, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s achievements on cost-of-living measures, contrasting them sharply with the opposition’s focus on smaller tax breaks for businesses. In response, the opposition leader criticized the government for being out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Australians, vowing to correct what he sees as the current administration's missteps once a new government is in place.
8 Comments
ArtemK
“Rushing legislative deals and then canceling the session are just strategies to dodge accountability.”
Karamba
“Manipulating parliamentary sessions to pave the way for a new election might sound risky, but it could ultimately lead to stronger accountability.”
Rotfront
“Striking deals with the Greens and crossbenchers shows a willingness to collaborate and get things done across party lines.”
Matzomaster
“It feels like the PM is playing games with our future elections just to score political points. Where’s the responsibility?”
Rotfront
“Finally, some decisive action from the PM! Canceling the session to reset things might just shake up the system.”
Donatello
“It’s disappointing to see politics reduced to theatrical performances instead of prioritizing essential public issues.”
Leonardo
“Last-minute legislative victories don’t excuse the fact that the government is clearly out of touch with real issues.”
Michelangelo
“Ejecting a backbencher on what might be the last day is just theatrics. This isn’t transparent governance.”