As Anthony Albanese prepares for his first day in parliament as prime minister his party is already under pressure to amend its climate change commitment after negotiations with the Greens.
Labor is hoping to get the support of the Greens to pass more ambitious climate change targets but the minor party has indicated it wants the legislation to be even tougher during intense behind-the-scenes negotiations.
Although the Labor government has a majority to pass laws in the House of Representatives, it will need to woo votes in the Senate to successfully implement its agenda, including the emissions reduction law.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and partner Jodie Haydon take their places during a church service before the first sitting day of parliament for the new Labor government
Mr Albanese is seen at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Canberra on the opening day of the new parliament
However, before matters of legislation could be considered politicians of all stripes began the first day of the sitting of the new parliament by contemplating a higher power.
Mr Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton were among the MPs attending an early church service in Canberra.
The two leaders shook hand across the aisle before taking up front row pews.
Ceremonial matters will take up the majority of the first day of Parliament since the May election saw Labor elected to take office.
MPs also attended a smoking ceremony outside parliament house before a welcome to country to mark the opening of the 47th parliament.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a smoking ceremony during the opening of the 47th Federal parliament in Canberra
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton shakes hands during the opening of the 47th Federal parliament at Parliament House in Canberra
The Governor-General will give a speech to both houses of parliament to outline the government’s agenda and new MPs to be sworn in.
Then will be down to business for a busy week of parliament where Labor intends to introduce 18 pieces of legislation.
Perhaps the most significant one will be the bill on climate change where Labor will commit to a 43 per cent cut in emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
Greens leader Adam Bandt has called Labor’s promised target ‘weak’.
‘We’ve got a number of issues with the bill that has been released,’ he said.
‘The target is very weak. The target means the Great Barrier Reef will keep bleaching, crops will fail and we will see worse fires and floods.
‘(The target) can’t be a ceiling …. The legislation doesn’t compel the government to do anything. We want to know what teeth it will have.’
Labor Energy Minister Chris Bowen is reported to be in negotiations with the Greens and he told The Australian that the government’s goal is a starting point.
‘The bill makes it clear that 43 per cent is our minimum commitment and does not prevent our collective efforts delivering even stronger reductions over the coming decade,’ Mr Bowen said.
‘The government is giving the parliament the opportunity to end the climate wars. The bill … provides a platform for collaboration to drive down emissions while ensuring reliable energy supplies.’
Mr Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton (pictured right) shake hands before the service in Canberra
Mr Albanese and his partner Ms Haydon leave the church service in Canberra
Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen is negotiating with the Greens to get the climate change bill through both houses of Federal parliament
The Greens target for emissions cuts by 2030 is 75 per cent but they may assent to Labor’s lower target if the bill has a so-called ratchet mechanism, which would allow a minister to increase targets without having to pass new laws.
They also want climate triggers in the planning approval processes meaning that the climate impact on global warming must be a factor before major projects can be green lit.
If Labor gets the support of the 12 Greens senators and ACT Independent Senator David Pocock, it can pass the climate bill through the Senate.
Mr Bowen is believed to have already made some concessions by adjusting the climate bill to make it clear all future targets must go beyond the 43 per cent 2030 baseline.
The bill will also strengthen the Climate Change Authority to act independently and advise on progress towards meeting climate goals to make the government more publicly accountable.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks at the welcome to country ceremony on the first day of the 47th parliament
Greens leader Adam Bandt wants to see tougher action taken on climate change
Agencies such as the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, Export Finance Australia, Infrastructure Australia, and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility will also be required to adopt the climate goals.
Although Mr Bandt has authority to negotiate on behalf of the Greens with Mr Bowen, the partyroom will have to agree to any deal.
The Greens are likely to put forward amendments when the bill reaches the Senate and could refer it to a committee inquiry.
While Mr Dutton opposes Labor’s climate bill some moderate Liberal MPs may consider crossing the floor to support it.