Foreign tensions, domestic impasses await at parliament

Escalations in the Middle East are expected to dominate debate in federal parliament as MPs return to Canberra, with the government also seeking to resolve a housing stalemate.

A day after commemorations and candlelight vigils were held to mark the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel, tensions over the conflict are likely to be a focal point during the shortened sitting week.

On the domestic front, the government is hoping a two-week break from parliament will be able to provide a breakthrough for an impasse over Labor's signature housing policy.

Negotiations over the Help to Buy scheme - which would allow for first home buyers to purchase a property with a lower deposit - stalled, resulting in the coalition and Greens delaying a vote on the measure.

The government has signalled it would reintroduce the same laws in the House of Representatives in the hope of breaking a deadlock on the issue.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hinted a double dissolution election could be on the cards, with the housing bill a possible trigger for a national poll involving all lower house MPs and senators.

Housing Minister Clare O'Neil laid out a challenge to the opposition and crossbench to back the housing changes.

"Every time the coalition and the Greens have had a chance to help renters of first-home buyers, they have chosen politics over progress," she said.

"This week they get the chance to make progress for first home buyers in the parliament.

"Australians wanting to buy their first home expect more than further delay."

The government is also hopeful the sitting week will be fruitful for cost-of-living relief measures, following a drop in inflation since MPs last gathered in Canberra.

Debate will centre on measures to reduce HECS debt for university students, along with a wage increase for childcare workers.

A 15 per cent wage rise for staff in the sector will be phased in over two years from December.

Childcare centres will be eligible to apply for federal funding to deliver the pay rise, on the condition fees for parents won't be raised by more than 4.4 per cent in the 12 months to August 2025.

Mr Albanese said the changes would see workers in the industry get an extra $150 a week in their take-home pay.

"Early educators shape lives and change lives. They deserve more than our thanks, they deserve to be paid fairly," he said.

"Parents want their children to be safe, happy and to have the very best start in life. This funding is about the fair pay for the people who make this possible."

Laws are also expected to be introduced to parliament on schools funding, as well as a crackdown on multi-national companies not paying tax.