The RBA’s decision to continue hiking interest rates on Tuesday put the government under pressure again on their cost of living policies.

Meanwhile, the opposition is attempting to convince Australians the government’s superannuation changes constitute a broken election promise, sparking a row that is likely to run until the next election.

With the PM flying out to India on Wednesday, and preparing for his upcoming visit to the United States next week, the government will hope to refocus on national security ahead of the release of the Defence Strategic Review within weeks.

Catch up on all the week’s news from Parliament below.

Super, franking credit proposals under scrutiny

Prime Minister Albanese faces backlash from the opposition and retirees after unveiling proposals to make what the government is calling modest reforms to superannuation and the existing franking credits regime.

The Coalition focused it’s attacks in question time this week on Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones, who conceded yesterday the proposed superannuation changes may have unintended consequences. The government is insisting the policy, which they say affects about 0.5 per cent of Australians, makes modest yet necessary changes to generous superannuation concessions.

This week also saw debate on a government bill to crackdown on franking credits, that it says ‘closes a loophole’ to align the tax treatment of share buybacks. A handful of teal independents voted with the opposition to amend the bill in the House of Representatives, but the government used it’s majority to pass the bill unchanged.

Together with the government’s super proposal, the franking credits crackdown is being framed by the Coalition as an assault on the nation’s retirees.

Manufacturing fund likely to get up with support of the Greens

Labor’s signature manufacturing policy is looking likely to pass Parliament after the government cut a deal with the Greens which will prevent the National Reconstruction Fund being used to prop up coal and gas projects in Australia.

The minor party had previously signalled it’s intention to block the fund, unless the government explicitly ruled out supporting fossil fuel projects. The legislation will still need the support of two crossbenchers in the Senate.

With both parties claiming the win, Industry Minister Ed Husic yesterday maintained it was never the intention of the fund to support such projects.

The fund is set to be operational by 1 July this year.

No progress on safeguard mechanism

After another week of deliberations, the government is yet to secure safe passage of it’s key climate policy through the Senate, with the Greens holding out for further commitments from Labor on the future of the mining industry.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen used question time to attack the Coalition over it’s decision to oppose the safeguard mechanism, arguing they were standing in the way of stronger climate action Australians voted for at last year’s election.

Voice referendum one step closer but division remains 

The enabling legislation for the referendum passed the House of Representatives this week, without the support of the Coalition.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said their refusal to back the government’s bill centred on the omission of public funding for the yes/no campaigns.

The Greens have flagged amendments they want made to the bill in the Senate, including changes to First Nations enrolment and voting options.

Government delivers election commitment with paid parental leave changes  

Labor’s paid parental leave policy it took to the election has passed Parliament, with the new laws coming into effect for parents whose children are born or adopted from 1 July 2023.

The changes provide greater flexibility in how parents take leave and increase the entitlement available to single parents.