<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>325979</docID> <postdate>2024-08-10 09:26:51</postdate> <headline>Cost of living, union corruption in focus as MPs return</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-325984" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240703147612484600-original-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="601" /></p> <caption>Anthony Albanese has repelled attacks over high inflation from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Dominic Giannini</strong> in Canberra</span></p> <p><strong>Living costs and mortgage pain are in focus as federal politicians return from a long winter break and an election looms. </strong></p> <p>Sexually explicit fake images and a construction union crisis will also feature when parliament resumes.</p> <p>Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock will face a public hearing after ruling out a rate cut before Christmas, warning inflation is still too high.</p> <p>The opposition has seized on the central bank's suggestion state and federal government spending was adding to the problem.</p> <p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has rebuffed the attacks and argued his team was helping ease hip-pocket pain through targeted spending measures.</p> <p>He pointed to power bill relief, personal income tax cuts and a 15 per cent pay rise for childcare workers.</p> <p>"Whilst we're moderating inflation, we've produced two budget surpluses in a row," Mr Albanese said.</p> <p>Labor is keen to see an interest rate cut before the next election, which is due by May.</p> <p>The Greens will heap pressure on the Albanese government over its handling of the war in Gaza, critical of slow progress on recognising a Palestinian state and failure to appoint an Islamophobia envoy.</p> <p>Labor's internal divisions erupted during the last session of parliament when Fatima Payman broke ranks over Palestine.</p> <p>Senator Payman later quit the party.</p> <p>Crossbenchers are chastising the government over gambling ads, pushing Labor to back a complete ban.</p> <p>Tony Burke will face his first parliamentary grilling as immigration minister over asylum seeker boat arrivals, deportation of foreign-born criminals and national security.</p> <p>As workplace minister, Murray Watt will introduce legislation to place four of the CFMEU's construction divisions into administration for three years.</p> <p>Labor has cut ties with the embattled union over allegations involving bikies, bribes and stand-over tactics.</p> <p>Under laws against deepfake porn, people who create and share non-consensual images could face years behind bars.</p> <p>People with disability have panned Labor's response to a royal commission that uncovered widespread violence, abuse and neglect.</p> <p>The responsible minister will deliver a statement to parliament outlining the path forward.</p> <p>Questions remain over next steps for indigenous reconciliation following the prime minister's appearance at the Garma Festival and latest figures on closing the gap.</p> <p>The focus will be renewed when a report is released into missing and murdered First Nations women.</p> </body>