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She wasn't the worst-behaved kid in the class, but she certainly wasn't the best either.

And because she sat down the front, one of the prefects if you like, her transgressions were all the more visible.

In this new classroom, all eyes will be on her. Now a class captain, she can't afford to carry on the way she did, which saw her kicked out on numerous occasions.

So we're unlikely to hear those 10 words on high rotation the last time around: "The deputy leader of the opposition will leave the chamber."

Now leader, Sussan Ley will have to curb the interjections and unparliamentary language that so often peppered her behaviour in the last parliament's question time.

Not only is a higher standard expected of leaders - even in opposition - but in this new parliament, with its numbers so badly depleted, any shouty bravado from those seated on the Speaker's left will look, well, a little silly.

And any "rhubarb, rhubarb" murmurings of discontent from the opposition benches will struggle to be heard above the government's historical commanding majority.

So far, the new opposition leader has handled the top job well.

Her National Press Club address was measured, reasonable and honest. Three words stood out above the rest for their forthrightness: "We got smashed."

And her handling last week of prang-prone Angus Taylor's off-script comments about making a commitment with the US on Taiwan's security was tight. Since the May 3 loss and her elevation to leader, Ley has presented a much more polished version of herself than she did as deputy.

The first question time of the new parliament will set the tone for her leadership. It won't just be the gravitas she can muster in her questions to the Prime Minister.

Small details, seating arrangement,........

© Canberra Times