MPs and senators have gathered in Canberra for the first time since the election for the official opening of the 47th parliament.
Members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate were sworn in on Tuesday, after the parliament was opened by chief justice Susan Kiefel, and a traditional smoking ceremony was held on the forecourt of Parliament House.
Speaking at the Welcome to Country ceremony, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated his government's commitment to implement the Uluru Statement in full.
"What the Uluru Statement from the Heart represents is an opportunity that must be seized because if it isn't seized, it will be lost and we will be diminished," he said.
"We have to seize that opportunity and we need to seize it in this term."
Implementing the Uluru Statement was "good manners", the prime minister said, and would mean Indigenous people could advise parliament on issues that affect their lives.
Smoking ceremony held at Parliament House for the opening of the 47th Parliament (AAP).
Opposition avoids mentioning referendum
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton did not mention the referendum or Voice in his remarks, he said the next term of parliament would be important for First Nations people.
He pledged to work to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians by lifting standards of living, addressing domestic violence and crime rates, reducing mortality rates and improving educational opportunities.
"Together colleagues, let this 47th parliament of Australia bring us together to implement practical changes which will improve the lives of Indigenous Australians," he said.
The Indigenous MPs and senators among those sworn in today during the opening of parliament were:
- Senator Dorinda Cox, Western Australia
- Senator Patrick Dodson, Western Australia
- Senator Jacqui Lambie, Tasmania
- Senator Kerrynne Liddle, South Australia
- Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, Northern Territory
- Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Northern Territory
- Senator Jana Stewart, Victoria
- Senator Lidia Thorpe, Victoria
- The Hon Linda Burney MP, Member for Barton
- Dr Gordon Reid, Member for Robertson
- Ms Marion Scrymgour, Member for Lingiari
Question time will resume again tomorrow.
