Antisemitism, the cost of living, and a “free lunch” policy were among the key points of discussion on the first day of the parliamentary year.

Politicians head to church

The service is a tradition to mark the opening of the parliamentary year in Canberra.

“I believe it will be tough. It will be always hard fought but I do believe that we can win and that will be a decision for the Australian people,” he said.

Antisemitism motion passes parliament

Albanese and Dutton joined several politicians in condemning antisemitism as they threw their support behind the motion.

In the upper house, Liberal senator James Patterson’s attempt to amend the motion to include mandatory minimum sentencing for antisemitic attacks evoked an emotional response from Senator Jacqui Lambie.

“We don’t always get this right, but we have you and you’re in our sights. And we love you, and we will do everything we can to protect your families,” she said before the motion passed both houses unanimously.

The ‘sloppy’ free lunch policy

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the policy would cost between $1.6 billion and $10 billion a year depending on whether all eligible businesses claimed the maximum amount, according to costings prepared by Treasury.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has criticised the Opposition’s ‘free lunch’ policy. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

“Part of my job is to understand risks to the budget, and this is a very substantial risk to the budget,” Chalmers said.

The Opposition has not released its costings for the policy, but its treasury spokesperson Angus Taylor disputed Chalmer’s figures.

Cost of living relief

During Question Time, he asked Albanese whether he would apologise to Australians for saying they would be better off under a Labor government.

“And we now know that they have come up with a cost of living plan but it’s just not for workers, it’s for workers to pay for some of their mates to have lunch.”

The government is also set to introduce new legislation this fortnight, which would guarantee families three days of childcare each week.

Greens continue to push for ban on gambling ads

“It’s been increasingly clear that neither the Labor party or the Liberal party will now accept a total ban, they’ve been crab-walking away from this for the last 18 months and the community is becoming increasingly desperate for something to be done,” she told ABC Radio National.

Sarah Hanson-Young has proposed a compromise on The Greens’ push for a ban on gambling advertisements. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

The new proposal suggests banning gambling ads on television an hour before and an hour after sporting broadcasts, a ban on online gambling ads entirely, and a ban on gambling ads during child-friendly programs.

“All sides should back it.”

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— Additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.