Politicians have returned to Canberra to mark the start of the parliamentary year. 

Parliament will offer a “statement of acknowledgement” of harassment, bullying and sexual assault that’s occurred in its workplaces.

4BC’s federal political editor Michael Pachi told Neil Breen the government’s religious discrimination bill will be a major issue this week.

“Some people within the Coalition are just not overly happy with it and are planning to vote against it,” he said.

“And then you’ve got the complication, Neil, that the Opposition’s not sure whether to support these measures, either.”

Meanwhile, Brittany Higgins and former Australian of the Year Grace Tame will address the National Press Club tomorrow.

Pachi said there’s suggestions Liberal Party politicians have been told not to attend the speech.

“I can’t see that really happening,” he said. “It also would be an own-goal for Morrison; … it’s just going to create a mess.

“It is going to be prickly for the Prime Minister to handle but I think it’s just something that he’s just going to have to grin and bear and get through.”

Press PLAY below to hear what to expect from the first week of parliament

Image: Getty