Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he hopes to “do politics better”.
During his press conference, the PM said he was hopeful of gaining a working majority in the House of Representatives.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and deputy PM Richard Marles during the pair’s first press conference.Credit:ABC TV
However, while the remaining votes are being counted in key seats (such as Bennelong in Sydney and Deakin in Melbourne), he has had discussions with the returning members of the lower house crossbench.
“ I have received and have had discussions with the existing members of the crossbench and received confirmation from Rebekha Sharkie, Bob Katter, Andrew Wilkie, Helen Haines and Zali Steggall that they would not support any no-confidence motions against the government and that they would also secure supply,” he said.
“It is important that we respect the outcome of the election on Saturday. I have stuck to what I said before the election, as have they.
“They will consider legislation on its merits. I will treat them with respect.”
Loading
Albanese added that his Labor government will start implementing its agenda from Wednesday next week (as mentioned earlier, the full cabinet will be sworn in next Tuesday). Those priorities include a national reconstruction fund, a powering Australia plan and the full implementation of the respect at work report recommendations.
Other priorities, according to the PM, include affordable childcare, fixing aged care, establishing a national anti-corruption commission and the constitutional recognition of Australia’s first peoples.
“I look forward to leading a government that makes Australians proud,” Albanese said.
“A government that doesn’t seek to divide, that doesn’t seek to have wedges but seeks to bring people together for our common interest and our common purpose. I think that is one of the messages that came through on Saturday. People do have conflict fatigue.”
