Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered a clear message to the parliamentary crossbench: “Get out of the way” and let Labor get on with building more homes. Returning to Canberra after a decisive election win, Albanese is gearing up to tackle housing and student debt as top priorities, while facing renewed pressure from within his own party to take stronger action on environmental protection.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Albanese confirmed that cutting HECS-HELP debts by 20% will be the first piece of legislation his re-elected Labor government brings to parliament.
“We have a clear mandate to build more homes. The key issue is supply,” Albanese said. “We need to get on with it and let the private sector deliver.”
Labor is on track to secure at least 85 seats in the House of Representatives, potentially more, giving the party a commanding majority. This also positions Labor to pass legislation in the Senate with only the support of the Greens, reducing the influence of independent senators like David Pocock and Jacqui Lambie.
But while housing and student debt are front and centre, Albanese is being urged by environmental advocates within Labor to finally deliver on long-promised reforms to protect Australia’s natural environment.
Felicity Wade, national co-convener of the Labor Environment Action Network (LEAN), called on the government to act swiftly.
“Delivering for nature and Australia’s struggling environment needs to be a first-order priority for the government. It’s unfinished, core Labor business,” Wade said. “We need to get moving immediately – the window for reform is the next 12 months.”
Labor had previously shelved plans for a federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and “nature positive” laws in its first term. But Wade believes that with a stronger parliamentary position and progressive momentum, now is the time to act.
Albanese reiterated his support for a federal EPA, saying, “I want a federal EPA that supports industry and sustainability. I think we can achieve both.”
Wade argued that environmental reform is not just about conservation—it’s also key to Australia’s economic productivity.
“With every major economic project requiring federal environmental approval, our outdated environment laws are a bottleneck,” she said. “We urgently need laws that offer better outcomes for the environment and faster, clearer development decisions.”
Meanwhile, Albanese is facing a different kind of pressure inside his own party: the fight for cabinet spots. With Labor’s strong performance in Queensland and Victoria, state-based factions and ambitious MPs are already vying for ministerial promotions.
“We are overflowing with talent. People are entitled to have ambitions,” Albanese said, acknowledging internal jostling but cautioning against believing any speculation.
Final counting in key electorates will determine how cabinet spots are distributed among the states and factions. Queensland, having delivered big gains for Labor, is expected to push for another cabinet role. In Victoria, the left faction is lobbying hard for greater representation, with names like Andrew Giles and Ged Kearney floated for promotion.
Western Australia, which played a key role in Labor’s 2022 win, is also looking to add a second cabinet member alongside Madeleine King. There’s talk of Anne Aly or Patrick Gorman as strong contenders.
Tasmania might also get a look-in, with high-profile MP and former state Labor leader Rebecca White being considered for a spot in the assistant ministry.
While speculation is rife, Albanese made one thing clear: nothing is confirmed until he says so.
“If you hear something, unless it comes out of my mouth, it is nonsense,” he said.
As Labor begins its second term, the real test will be how Albanese balances bold reform with political pragmatism—and whether his promises on housing, student debt, and the environment translate into real outcomes for Australians.
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Mitchell
Mitchell is a seasoned Ph.D. scholar with extensive expertise gained through years of rigorous research, publication, and teaching experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills to tackle complex academic challenges. His work is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, advancing knowledge, and promoting academic excellence. Proficient in research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly writing, Mitchell has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and mentored students to achieve academic success.
