The federal opposition reached a new level of dysfunction last week, with the departure of wannabe-leader and vintage gas guzzler enthusiast Andrew Hastie from the shadow cabinet to the backbench, where he can join Jacinta Nampijinpa Price in creating as much trouble for Sussan Ley as they wish, without fear of censure.

It was a very big week for Murray Watt, although he didn't put a word about what is likely to be his most far-reaching decision as environment minister on social media.

On the weekend, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese returned to the Garma Festival in north-east Arnhem Land, where he spoke for the fourth time in as many years. This year's focus was less on symbolism and voice, and more on education and empowerment, as the gap between Indigenous and other Australians remains achingly wide.

In the midst of a freezing Canberra winter, federal parliament returned last week for the first time since the May election. The 48th Australian Parliament is the Albo show, with 24 new Labor members spreading across to what have traditionally been the Coalition benches, in an encroaching red wave.