The Prime Minister announced the changes to stage 3 tax cuts before Parliament had even resumed its session - despite the Labour Party vowing before the last election that it would not make such changes.
“Our government will deliver a tax cut for every Australian taxpayer.”
The cuts were eventually backed by the Opposition - but not before Coalition treasurer Angus Taylor called for the change of mind.
“It will be the mother of all reneged promises. It's something the prime minister and treasurer have done more than 100 times. '
The Central Bank left the cash rate unchanged throughout the year - at 4.35 percent.
Inflation has come down - the Consumer Prices Index was 3.4 per cent in January, now 2.1 per cent in October.
But the cost of living still consistently ranked first as a concern for people across Australia, throughout the year.
That's why Treasurer Jim Chalmers issued what he called a responsible budget in May, with targeted waivers, including changes to the way HECS is indexed, tax cuts, and a $300 cut to household electricity bills.
“Every budget asks us to achieve a series of good balances, but this one is really determined by them... The judgment we made is that the most efficient way to provide cost-of-living relief is to give it to every household.”
Source: AAP / AAP / Jono Searle
The government and the consumer commission launched an investigation into price-fixing practices, competition in the sector, and the industry's impact on inflation.
Coles chairman James Graham told the company's shareholders the ACCC's investigation was being taken seriously.
“We are well aware of the significance of these allegations as they concern the core of customer trust.”
Andrew Giles was the target of criticism this year from his opposition colleague Dan Tehan over perceived failings in his Immigration portfolio.
“Minister Giles has been powerless and powerless in dealing with this for more than 12 months.”
Labor member for Scullin Andrew Giles in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Thursday, June 18, 2020. Source: AAP / MICK TSIKAS/AAPIMAGE
This forced the government to release about 200 people, many of whom had criminal records, into the community.
The impact of the decision continued throughout the year, with continuing problems over how the government imposed monitoring conditions on the group, and further High Court challenges.
The opposition also criticised ministerial directives allowing non-Australian citizens with long-standing ties to Australia who committed serious crimes to remain in the country.
The direction was eventually cancelled.
“Minister Giles has shown that he is incapable of doing so. The Prime Minister now needs to step in and act.”
Finally, Anthony Albanese announced his first cabinet reshuffle.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Linda Burney and Skills Minister Brendan O'Connor announced they would retire at the next general election, and immediately give up their posts.
That led to Andrew Giles being demoted from the Immigration post, and former Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil moving to the Housing post.
Malarndirri McCarthy took over the Indigenous post, and Tony Burke moved to the Immigration and Home Affairs post.
Sam Mostyn took over the post of Governor-General of Australia, and former Labor Party leader Bill Shorten also announced his resignation.
Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn sworn in (AAP). Source: AAP / LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE
Foreign Minister Penny Wong received a report from former Australian defence force chief Mark Binskin on the killing of Australian Aid Worker Zomi Frankcom, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike while delivering humanitarian aid.
The report said his death was the result of failures of the Israel Defense Forces.
Zomi is one of more than 200 aid workers killed in Gaza this year alone.
The minister also led repatriation efforts to help thousands return to Australia, when Israel began bombing Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
“If you can get a seat on the flight, please take that seat. If you get a seat on a flight today, don't delay.”
As a result, when politicians worried that conflict in the Middle East was damaging bonds within Australian society, social cohesion was the buzzword of the year.
“Social cohesion should not be underestimated.”
“And social cohesion, I must say.”
“And the collapse of social cohesion throughout society.”
Much of the concern was caused by the large number of parliamentary offices across the country being vandalised.
Thousands of Australians took to the streets to protest against Israel's offensive in Gaza.
Protesters march during a pro-Palestinian rally in Melbourne. Credit: Source: AAP / James Ross
“So it is with deep humility and responsibility that I announce the formation of Australia's Voice, a new political party for those disenfranchised, unheard, and those who crave real change.”
The long-running Royal Commission into the Suicide of Veterans and Defence members was completed this year, the government approving in full, or in principle, 104 of the 122 recommendations.
“For many people, this means revisiting the darkest moments of their lives. Twelve open hearings, 340 witnesses, 900 closed sessions, more than 5,800 submissions were submitted to this Royal Commission. It is a measure of the extraordinary courage of those involved, and a reflection of their extraordinary selflessness.”
The year 2024 also saw the Opposition set the platform for an energy debate at the next election.
They have proposed seven sites for nuclear reactors to be built across Australia - but independent reports have questioned their feasibility.
“We want to make the most of the assets we have. And the poles and cables used today at coal-fired power plant sites can be used to distribute energy produced from the latest generation of nuclear reactors.”
The 2024 parliament ended quickly and passed 31 bills out of 45 submitted..
“We passed 31 bills yesterday and 45 bills all week, which I don't think is enough to break the record, but certainly falls on top of that.”
Included in the 31 bills is the world's first social media ban for children under 16, which passed with bipartisan support on the last hearing day.
Tech companies now have 12 months to ensure underage children cannot access their platforms.
“Social media is putting our children at risk and I'm going to stop it. I have spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. They, like me, are very concerned about the safety of our children online.”
For the Prime Minister, this year has had its ups and downs.
He was engaged, criticized for buying a $4 million house, and earned the nickname 'Airbus Albo' for allegedly asking for a free flight class upgrade for private flights, something he denied.
The prime minister announced the engagement on social media. Credit: Supplied
