Kimberley Caines: Small-target leader in Opposition now a big-target Prime Minister

He was the small-target leader in Opposition, but Anthony Albanese is fast making himself the big-target Prime Minister. Nearly three months into running the country and at the end of his first parliamentary sitting fortnight, Albanese has already started to deliver on two potentially divisive election promises — climate change and reconciliation. Last weekend he unveiled his “simple question” for a referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. And this week he got support from the Greens, independents and Liberal MP Bridget Archer to get his climate Bill through the Lower House. This was his first big win in Federal Parliament, proving he has dominance over the Coalition on climate change and the Greens as well, despite some blowback from the minor party to ban new coal and gas projects, which the Government rejected. He now holds the power that could lead to many more wins for Labor by getting his election commitments over the line. Whether it be strengthening Medicare, creating more jobs, or making childcare cheaper, his “plan for a better future for all Australians” is heading in the right direction. One thing is certain: Albanese is wasting no time in government and, in his words, has “hit the ground running”. After initially copping flak as a PM spending too much time overseas, he reinforced the perception of getting the job done by introducing 19 Bills into Parliament in the sitting fortnight. His aged-care reforms legislation was the first to pass both Houses. The removal of the ban on the ACT and Northern Territory legislating for voluntary assisted dying moved through the Lower House with both sides of politics offering a conscience vote. It is set to go through the Senate in September, along with Labor’s landmark climate laws to enshrine an emissions reduction target of 43 per cent by 2030, and a net zero emissions commitment by 2050. The Opposition has a big task ahead in adapting its climate policy to appease voters in the 2025 Federal election, which currently focuses on nuclear as an alternative energy source. Nearly everyone has accepted action is needed on climate change and Labor is focused on delivering. Ms Archer — the Tasmanian Liberal MP who crossed the floor — has become non-bipartisan in a sense, showing just how out of touch the Coalition is. Albanese said the Opposition was “stuck in time while the world warms around it”. “This so-called party of private enterprise has today thumbed its nose at the business community of Australia who are crying out for certainty going forward,” he said. “It’s extraordinary that they chose to do that.” WA is a resource-rich State and holds the key to Australia’s emissions goals. Businesses finally have a signal from the Federal Government giving them the confidence to begin the move towards a cleaner future. But we are far from seeing the end of our “climate wars” and need to understand that making Labor’s climate policy a reality will have its challenges. The Government still needs the support of one more Upper House crossbencher, with independent Senator David Pocock indicating he may back the policy. He was the one who urged Greens leader Adam Bandt to put aside his every demand to amend the Bill. He could either choose to make it what he wanted and achieve nothing, or back the plan and build on it. It was a sensible choice. This is in spite of the policy being designed by Albanese and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen to be waved through without legislation. It was a preference, but not a necessity. Albanese also didn’t need the support of the independents in the Lower House. Labor has a majority there, but the PM deliberately gave the teals a say on the issue — which they campaigned for — to ensure they keep their seats. By keeping their seats, the Coalition stays in Opposition. Another sign Albo is now thinking like the big man.