The start of the Parliamentary year has been marked by the traditional church service.
The ecumenical service is held each year in Canberra with politicians from the political spectrum attending.
Members from both sides of parliament were in attendance on Tuesday morning at St Christopher’s Cathedral.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison read an excerpt from the book of Jeremiah:
“For surely I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me you will find me if you seek me with all your heart. I will let you find me,” says the Lord, “and I will restore your fortunes. And gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.” Jeremiah 29:11-14.
Opposition leader Anthony Albanese also read a passage from the book of Romans.
The sermon was delivered by Pastor Gabor Szabo from Canberra-Queanbeyan Lutheran Parish.
Service organisers say the service is an opportunity to remember the privileges and responsibilities we bear before God, and to ask for His blessings on our nation.
