The Morrison government is gearing up for the last roll of the parliamentary dice as politicians descend on Canberra for the final sitting before the election. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will deliver his first budget on Tuesday night, with income tax cuts expected to be brought forward and the nation's books in surplus for the first time in more than a decade. With the coalition lagging behind Labor in the polls, the budget is set to include sweeteners for voters and springboard into the official election campaign. The House of Representatives will sit from Tuesday to Thursday, with Bill Shorten to give his budget reply speech to round out parliamentary sittings before the election. That's provided the government doesn't pull the rug from under the opposition by calling an election first. The more likely scenario is Scott Morrison will visit the Governor-General Peter Cosgrove next weekend, triggering a five to six-week campaign. The Senate will sit on Tuesday and Wednesday before budget estimates hearings are held on Thursday and Friday to scrutinise government spending. Legislation for budget appropriations, north Queensland floods relief, the instant asset write-off for business, veterans, foreign influence transparency scheme and resource taxation are on the agenda. But with limited time, the government may have to nut out a deal with Labor to prioritise what will pass before parliament rises. Tasmanian Liberal Wendy Askew will replace her brother David Bushby, while Raff Ciccone will also be sworn in to replace Victorian Labor factional ally Jacinta Collins. As former senator David Leyonhjelm waits to see if he is elected to the NSW upper house, his chief of staff Duncan Spender replaces him in Canberra for what could be a record for shortest stay in parliament. The three new faces' first debate is likely to be a censure motion condemning Queensland senator Fraser Anning for blaming the Christchurch terror attack on Muslim migrants. Both houses are expected to hear a condolence for the brutal deaths of 50 people at two mosques. Inquiry reports are due on political interference in the ABC, the controversial cashless welfare card and resource tax changes. That's along with findings on the abuse royal commission redress scheme, quality of checks on aged care homes and national integrity commission laws. In the Senate, Labor will also try to torpedo regulations banning long-term casuals claiming an annual leave entitlement. Australian Associated Press
With the coalition lagging behind Labor in the polls, the budget will include sweeteners for voters.
The Morrison government is gearing up for the last roll of the parliamentary dice as politicians descend on Canberra for the final sitting before the election.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will deliver his first budget on Tuesday night, with income tax cuts expected to be brought forward and the nation's books in surplus for the first time in more than a decade.
With the coalition lagging behind Labor in the polls, the budget is set to include sweeteners for voters and springboard into the official election campaign.
The House of Representatives will sit from Tuesday to Thursday, with Bill Shorten to give his budget reply speech to round out parliamentary sittings before the election.
That's provided the government doesn't pull the rug from under the opposition by calling an election first.
The more likely scenario is Scott Morrison will visit the Governor-General Peter Cosgrove next weekend, triggering a five to six-week campaign.
The Senate will sit on Tuesday and Wednesday before budget estimates hearings are held on Thursday and Friday to scrutinise government spending.
Legislation for budget appropriations, north Queensland floods relief, the instant asset write-off for business, veterans, foreign influence transparency scheme and resource taxation are on the agenda.
But with limited time, the government may have to nut out a deal with Labor to prioritise what will pass before parliament rises.
Tasmanian Liberal Wendy Askew will replace her brother David Bushby, while Raff Ciccone will also be sworn in to replace Victorian Labor factional ally Jacinta Collins.
As former senator David Leyonhjelm waits to see if he is elected to the NSW upper house, his chief of staff Duncan Spender replaces him in Canberra for what could be a record for shortest stay in parliament.
The three new faces' first debate is likely to be a censure motion condemning Queensland senator Fraser Anning for blaming the Christchurch terror attack on Muslim migrants.
Both houses are expected to hear a condolence for the brutal deaths of 50 people at two mosques.
Inquiry reports are due on political interference in the ABC, the controversial cashless welfare card and resource tax changes.
That's along with findings on the abuse royal commission redress scheme, quality of checks on aged care homes and national integrity commission laws.
In the Senate, Labor will also try to torpedo regulations banning long-term casuals claiming an annual leave entitlement.
