The government’s legislative agenda gains momentum with critical reforms likely to pass, paving the way for a potential early election

On the final sitting day of the parliamentary year, the Albanese government is on the brink of securing a significant legislative victory after clinching a high-stakes deal with the Greens and Senator David Pocock. This deal is set to see a flurry of bills pass, including key reforms to the Reserve Bank, the Future Made in Australia scheme, and a new supermarket code of conduct, while a social media ban for children and new migration powers are expected to gain Coalition backing.

The fast-paced negotiations and compromises over the past 24 hours have allowed the government to secure support for over two dozen bills, including vital economic reforms and social initiatives. In return for Greens support, Labor has agreed to allocate $500 million for social housing electrification and has committed to phasing out fossil fuel subsidies under its Future Made in Australia framework.

While the government successfully navigated this deal with the Greens and Pocock, it had a more turbulent start to the week, with several flagship policies, including new environmental laws and gambling ad bans, sidelined in the face of opposition. However, with a deal now in hand, the government is in a strong position to pass much of its remaining legislative agenda, clearing the way for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to potentially call an early election in the new year.

“This is what it looks like to have a government that is prepared to work across the parliament to turn promises into progress,” Albanese said during Question Time on Thursday, highlighting the success of the negotiations.

The morning’s events were marked by some tension as Pocock and Senator Jacqui Lambie initially opposed Labor’s proposal to fast-track debate on the bills, forcing the government to backtrack on its original plans. Pocock demanded further concessions, particularly on environmental reforms, before agreeing to support the bills, while Lambie voiced frustration over what she called “undercooked bills” being rushed through. Despite these concerns, sources indicated that Lambie is likely to support most, if not all, of the bills in the end.

Labor’s ability to unite key crossbenchers has positioned it to finish the year with a major legislative win, but the day also highlighted some of the complexities of working with a diverse Senate. Despite this, Albanese’s success in closing the deal leaves him with a clear path forward and an opportunity to call an election with significant achievements under his belt.