Anthony Albanese returns to Canberra after world visits

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is returning to domestic affairs after making significant inroads with world leaders in Washington, Beijing and the Cook Islands.

The two chambers of Parliament will sit from Monday, after a week of work reserved for the Senate.

Parliament’s return comes after the prime minister solidified the US-Australia alliance in Washington last month with President Joe Biden, before last week becoming the first Australian leader to visit China in seven years and defrost relations with President Xi Jinping.

Mr Albanese also unveiled a new partnership with Tuvalu at the Pacific Islands Forum.

It returns to a raging debate over controversial workplace reforms, which will strengthen protections for gig economy workers and allow casuals to transition to permanent employment.

The Senate voted last week to remove non-controversial elements of the bill, such as better protections for first responders and people facing domestic violence, so they would be operational by the new year.

The lower house will be under pressure to vote in favor of the excluded bill, as debate continues over the broader measures.

Gambling reforms, increased support for people with disabilities and new installments of paid parental leave will be the focus of the House of Representatives.

Measures to facilitate the reintegration of older Australians into the labor market are also on the agenda.

Separately, the House on Monday will mark the fifth anniversary of apologies to victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.

In the Senate, a political fight is brewing over controversial changes to the Murray-Darling Basin plan, with the debate expected to occupy much of the week.

Senators will also focus on a controversial bill on ocean dumping, as well as anti-terrorism measures.

Events in the Middle East are expected to be the subject of much debate throughout the week, amid growing calls for a ceasefire in the region.

Political leaders have called for greater social cohesion following clashes between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups during protests in Australia.