In an unprecedented display of legislative maneuvering, the Australian Senate is currently racing against the clock to pass an astonishing 31 bills before the end of the year. The Albanese government, in a desperate bid to push through its ambitious agenda, has struck a series of last-minute deals with the Greens and is relying on Coalition support for several controversial pieces of legislation.
Labor’s High-Stakes Negotiations with the Greens
The Labor party, determined to secure the passage of its Future Made in Australia bills and a range of treasury and attorney general’s portfolio legislation, turned to the Greens for support. After intense negotiations, the two parties reached an agreement that saw the Greens agree to back 27 bills in exchange for substantial concessions.
Among the key wins for the Greens was a $500 million commitment to upgrade social housing with energy-efficient measures, potentially benefiting 50,000 homes and saving tenants an estimated $1,800 per year on power bills. The government also agreed to amendments ensuring no support for fossil fuel projects under the Future Made in Australia program and Export Finance Australia.
Greens Leader Hails “Pressure Tactic” Success
Greens Leader Adam Bandt touted the party’s “pressure tactic” as a resounding success, claiming that the concessions won would make a tangible difference in the lives of social housing tenants. The Greens also secured changes to the build-to-rent legislation, extending the minimum lease term for tenants from three to five years and banning no-fault evictions.
“Greens pressure works,” Bandt declared, emphasizing the significance of the amendments secured through the party’s negotiations with Labor.
Relying on the Coalition for Controversial Bills
While Labor found common ground with the Greens on a range of issues, it turned to the Coalition for support on three contentious migration bills and the under-16s social media ban. The migration legislation includes measures such as paying third countries to take non-citizens, reimposing ankle bracelets and curfews on those released from immigration detention, and prohibiting items like phones in detention centers.
The social media age ban for under-16s, another divisive proposal, also hinges on Coalition backing. Despite concerns raised by experts and opposition from some quarters, the government appears determined to push the legislation through with the support of its political rivals.
A Dramatic Day in the Senate
The Senate’s mad dash to pass legislation unfolded against a backdrop of high drama, with Coalition Senate Leader Simon Birmingham announcing his retirement from politics and hinting at a “new, commercially oriented direction” for his future. Colleagues paid tribute to Birmingham’s parliamentary service as speculation swirled about his next moves.
Independent Senator David Pocock also played a pivotal role in the day’s events, initially siding with the Coalition to block Labor’s attempt to guillotine debate but later voting with the government after securing commitments on issues like affordable housing and research funding.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Compromises
As the Senate continues its frantic legislative push, the government faces the daunting task of navigating a complex web of political alliances and competing interests. While Labor has managed to secure the passage of a significant portion of its agenda, it has had to make substantial compromises and concessions along the way.
The reliance on Coalition support for controversial migration and social media bills underscores the government’s willingness to prioritize legislative victories over ideological purity. However, this approach may come at a cost, with critics arguing that the government is sacrificing principles for political expediency.
The Final Countdown: What Hangs in the Balance
As the clock ticks down on the Senate’s final sitting days of the year, the fate of several key pieces of legislation remains uncertain. The government’s ability to secure the passage of its remaining bills will depend on its capacity to navigate the treacherous waters of Senate negotiations and maintain the delicate balance of power it has constructed.
For the Australian public, the Senate’s end-of-year legislative blitz is a reminder of the complex and often messy nature of the democratic process. As the dust settles on this extraordinary period of parliamentary activity, the true impact of the bills passed and the compromises made will only become apparent in the months and years to come.
One thing, however, is certain: the Senate’s frantic final days have provided a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of Australian politics and the high-stakes game of legislative brinkmanship that defines the nation’s political landscape.
