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Crikey
Crikey
National
Maeve Bannister

Territory rights back on parliament agenda

Territory rights will be tackled by federal parliament when it meets for its first full week of sitting. 

On Monday, Labor backbenchers Alicia Payne (ACT) and Luke Gosling (NT) will introduce a proposal to parliament allowing territory governments to legislate on voluntary assisted dying.

The proposal will overturn a law passed by federal parliament in 1997 which invoked a constitutional power to overturn territory laws.

While every state government has since passed legislation allowing terminally ill adults to decide how to end their lives, the ACT and NT have been prevented from doing so. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will allow Labor MPs to have a conscience vote on the matter.

Climate change will also feature as members get the chance to have their say on proposed legislation introduced by the government last week.

Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has vowed to waste no time in legislating emissions reduction targets. 

A bill enshrining a 43 per cent emissions reduction target and net-zero by 2050 was introduced to the lower house on Wednesday, one of the first pieces of legislation of the new Albanese government.

It will likely be voted on in the lower house this week but the Greens are yet to reach a decision on whether they will support the bill.

The Greens party room is slated to meet three times this week to consider the bill and whether they will move amendments in the lower house or Senate, where they hold the balance of power.

While the legislation is yet to be considered by the Liberal party room, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has indicated he will not support it.

But some opposition members could go against the party line.

Liberal senator Andrew Bragg said he was considering supporting the bill. 

Despite record levels of inflation and a foot and mouth biosecurity threat looming, the opposition is expected to continue to hammer the government about a decision to abolish the construction watchdog. 

New parliamentarians will continue to give their first speeches in the upper and lower houses. 

Last week newcomers reflected on their pathways to parliament, many including themes of diversity, climate change, integrity, mental health and reconciliation. 

A request from independent senator David Pocock to have an Auslan interpreter standing next to him during his first speech was rejected by the opposition and government.

Senator Pocock, due to give his first speech on Tuesday, said he was disappointed by the decision but would work to make it accessible for people watching.

The parliament has launched public inquiries into a raft of bills introduced by the government during the first sitting week.

Inquiries into proposed legislation on climate change, aged care reform and a jobs and skills training body are open for public submissions. 

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