Governor-General Quentin Bryce has addressed the new Parliament on its opening day, telling MPs it is within their grasp to usher in a new period of renewal.

Ms Bryce's speech to the joint sitting of Parliament comes after a day of formalities and ceremony which saw MPs sworn in and Harry Jenkins re-elected as Speaker.

The issue of who will take up the Deputy Speaker's position has been resolved, with Liberal MP Peter Slipper defeating the Nationals' Bruce Scott 78 votes to 71.

Ms Bryce told the new Parliament it is confronting terrain not seen since World War II, when Robert Menzies headed a minority government.

"As one of the world's oldest continuing democracies, we have it within our grasp to ensure that the challenges posed by the configuration of this Parliament become a source of renewal and change," Ms Bryce said.

"Certainly the story of our nation tells us that nothing is impossible when we work together and seek the best in each other, drawing upon the qualities of resourcefulness and courage that are such a hallmark of the Australian spirit."

Earlier today Mr Jenkins urged the Parliament to embrace and implement the reforms agreed to by both major parties, including limits on Question Time and more time for private members' business.

But the Government and Coalition are embroiled in a row over informal pairing arrangements, with the Coalition refusing to guarantee to pair absent MPs during divisions.

Government frontbencher Simon Crean had accused the Opposition of refusing to pair ahead of his address to the National Press Club tomorrow, but the Opposition now says he will be paired.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott have already traded blows in the chamber and will face each other for the first Question Time tomorrow.