“It will be hard [for Albanese]. There will be challenges in ensuring that such a large parliamentary party is involved and engaged and don’t feel decisions are passing them by,” he said. “I think a wise prime minister within these circumstances will ensure that backbenchers feel included, that they’re consulted.”

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There are 27 new federal Labor politicians, who won seats from incumbents or took the baton from retiring politicians, in the parliament.

Last term, Labor held a lower house majority of 77 out of 151 seats but, for this parliament, Albanese can boast of holding 94 out of 150 seats.

The increase in backbenchers means promotions such as committee chair roles, a tool to keep junior party members satisfied, will be limited for first-term politicians.

Labor caucus chair Sharon Claydon described the ballooned party as a good problem to have. She said it was prepared to deal with the size, with party committees to help give backbenchers a voice.

“I don’t think you’ll see first-term MPs in [committee] chair roles; they will no doubt become very active participants inside those parliamentary committees,” she said.

“There’s potentially some more curious minds so it’s important to make sure people know how to shape policy at an early stage. It’s also about trying to steer people to understand there are ways to make a difference without being on the frontbench.

“The caucus is about ensuring that people have a forum there and that they’ve got opportunities to shape policy.”

Albanese’s May 9 caucus speech also touched on how his colleagues in his first term gave him “extraordinary support and confidence”.

“I was never looking behind, always looking forward … focus on the Australian people, on the people who voted for us,” he said.

Assistant Minister Julian Hill echoed the view that a large majority was a good problem to have. He said the first caucus meeting in May “felt like modern Australia”.

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“No matter what you bring into the parliament there’s so much more to learn, and frankly if you’re not learning something every day it’s probably time to go,” he said. “There are so many ways to contribute to the work of the government, the parliament and your community, including committees, policy work and getting to know other parts of the country and what makes our economy and society tick.”

Albanese’s previous term was not without disunity. Senator Fatima Payman become the government’s first defection in July 2024, accusing the prime minister of pressuring her onto the crossbench over Labor’s stance on the war in Gaza.

Another revolt occurred in August 2024 following the government’s decision to not count the number of LGBTQ Australians in the census to avoid a divisive debate. Assistant Health Minister Ged Kearney and five other backbench MPs called for Albanese to reverse the decision.

Days later, he backflipped and confirmed there would be a question in the census on sexuality.

The Prime Minister’s Office was contacted for comment.

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