This bill became law on Mar 27th, 2026.
Budget, tax & economy
The Act appropriates an extra $9.183 million for parliamentary departments for the 2025–26 financial year.
The bill was introduced as part of the additional estimates process, which funds government decisions made after the 2025–26 Budget. This bill dealt only with parliamentary departments, giving the Department of the House of RepresentativesThe parliamentary department that supports the House of Representatives, its committees, members and chamber operations. and the Department of Parliamentary ServicesThe parliamentary department that provides services for Parliament House, including building, security, library, technology and visitor services. another $9.183 million and restoring access to limited urgent funding for the rest of the financial year.
The 2025–26 Budget and earlier supply and appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. Acts had already funded parliamentary departments. Later government decisions created a need for extra money, so this additional estimates bill provided $9.183 million for the House department and Parliamentary ServicesThe parliamentary department that provides services for Parliament House, including building, security, library, technology and visitor services., while also refreshing limited urgent funding powers for parliamentary departments. Parliament passed the bill in March 2026 and it commenced on Royal Assent.
No major criticism in the local sources targeted the specific need to fund the House department or Parliamentary ServicesThe parliamentary department that provides services for Parliament House, including building, security, library, technology and visitor services.. The main objections treated this bill as part of the wider additional estimates packageA set of extra funding bills introduced after the Budget to cover later government decisions and updated spending needs for the same financial year.: Coalition speakers criticised excessive spending, poor budget discipline and misplaced priorities, while Senator Malcolm Roberts objected to spending connected to net zero policies.
Hon Dr Daniel Mulino MP introduced this bill. It passed with support from Labor, Greens, Liberal Party, Australia's Voice, some crossbench members; opposed by One Nation, UAP.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 27 Mar 2026
Final passage
Recorded final vote
1 counted final-passage vote was recorded.
Passage speed
50 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
The Act appropriates an extra $9.183 million for parliamentary departments for the 2025–26 financial year.
The money is split between two departments: $670,000 for the Department of the House of RepresentativesThe parliamentary department that supports the House of Representatives, its committees, members and chamber operations. and $8.513 million for the Department of Parliamentary ServicesThe parliamentary department that provides services for Parliament House, including building, security, library, technology and visitor services..
The funding supports House administration and the professional services, advice, facilities and Australian Parliament House operations that help Parliament and parliamentarians function.
The Act refreshes urgent funding limits for parliamentary departments after commencement: $300,000 each for the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Parliamentary Budget Office, and $1 million for Parliamentary ServicesThe parliamentary department that provides services for Parliament House, including building, security, library, technology and visitor services..
If urgent funding was already used for the same expenditure before the Act started, the new appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. is reduced by that amount so the same spending is not authorised twice.
The total of the items specified in Schedule 1 is $9,183,000.Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026 introduced bill text
Department of the House of Representatives 670 ... Department of Parliamentary Services 8,513 ... Total 9,183.Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026 introduced bill text
Advisory and administrative services support the House of Representatives to fulfil its representative and legislative role ... Support the functions of Parliament and parliamentarians through the provision of professional services, advice and facilities and maintain Australian Parliament House.Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026 introduced bill text
after the commencement of this Act, the responsible Presiding Officers have access to the following amounts ... for the Department of the Senate—$300,000 ... for the Department of the House of Representatives—$300,000 ... for the Department of Parliamentary Services—$1 million ... for the Parliamentary Budget Office—$300,000.Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026 introduced bill text
Subclause 11(2) prevents appropriations for the same expenditure from both the APO and the Bill ... the appropriation in this Bill, once enacted, will be reduced by the amount of the advanced amount. The appropriated amount cannot be reduced below nil.Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026 explanatory memorandum
Context
The 2025–26 Budget and earlier supply and appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. Acts had already funded parliamentary departments. Later government decisions created a need for extra money, so this additional estimates bill provided $9.183 million for the House department and Parliamentary ServicesThe parliamentary department that provides services for Parliament House, including building, security, library, technology and visitor services., while also refreshing limited urgent funding powers for parliamentary departments. Parliament passed the bill in March 2026 and it commenced on Royal Assent.
Post-budget decisions require extra parliamentary funding
The explanatory memorandum says the additional estimates appropriation billsA set of extra funding bills introduced after the Budget to cover later government decisions and updated spending needs for the same financial year. fund government decisions made since the 2025–26 Budget, alongside earlier supply and appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. Acts.
Explanatory memorandum ↗Bill introduced for two parliamentary departments
Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino introduced the bill, saying it would provide about $9.2 million for the Department of the House of RepresentativesThe parliamentary department that supports the House of Representatives, its committees, members and chamber operations. and the Department of Parliamentary ServicesThe parliamentary department that provides services for Parliament House, including building, security, library, technology and visitor services. for the rest of 2025–26.
House of Representatives Hansard ↗House passes the parliamentary departments bill
The House agreed to the second and third readings on 24 March 2026, completing the bill’s passage through the originating chamber.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Senate passes bill after net zero amendment fails
The Senate defeated Senator Malcolm Roberts’s second-reading amendment to send the appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. bills back to remove net zero spending, then passed the bill at second and third readings.
Senate Hansard and division records ↗Royal Assent starts the Act
The Act received Royal Assent on 27 March 2026. Its commencement table says the whole Act starts on the day of Royal Assent.
Federal Register of Legislation and bill text ↗Legislative route
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Referred to Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Recorded vote: 40 to 5.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 40 to 5.
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal Assent, turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
No major criticism in the local sources targeted the specific need to fund the House department or Parliamentary ServicesThe parliamentary department that provides services for Parliament House, including building, security, library, technology and visitor services.. The main objections treated this bill as part of the wider additional estimates packageA set of extra funding bills introduced after the Budget to cover later government decisions and updated spending needs for the same financial year.: Coalition speakers criticised excessive spending, poor budget discipline and misplaced priorities, while Senator Malcolm Roberts objected to spending connected to net zero policies.
Most criticism was about the broader appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. package and the government’s fiscal management, not a detailed objection to the parliamentary departments appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. itself.
Spending and inflation pressure
Coalition speakers argued that the additional estimates packageA set of extra funding bills introduced after the Budget to cover later government decisions and updated spending needs for the same financial year. showed spending was too high and would add to inflation, debt, interest-rate pressure and household costs.
Regional and service priorities
Some Coalition speakers used the appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. debate to argue that government spending priorities were failing regional communities and essential services, even while saying the bills should pass as supply measures.
Net zero spending objection
Senator Malcolm Roberts opposed the appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. package because he said it funded net zero policies, and moved unsuccessfully to send the bills back to Treasury to remove that spending.
Further sources
Votes
The chamber-passage votes come first. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Passed 40 to 5. Support came from Labor, Greens, Liberal Party, Australia's Voice, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from One Nation and UAP.
Earlier bill-stage votes
Passed 40 to 5. Support came from Labor, Greens, Liberal Party, Australia's Voice, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from One Nation and UAP.
Recorded amendment and procedural votes grouped by chamber. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
Senate
Defeated 5 to 40. Support came from One Nation and UAP. Opposition came from Labor, Greens, Liberal Party, Australia's Voice, and minor parties and independents.
Defeated; the bills continued without being sent back to remove net zero related spending.
This list includes amendment votes, procedural votes and votes on the bill itself.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Daniel Mulino supports the bill, saying it provides an extra $9.2 million to keep the parliamentary departments operating for the rest of 2025-26.
Read in Hansard ↗Aaron Violi opposes the appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. bill, arguing that the government has failed to show spending restraint and that its spending is adding to inflation, higher interest rates and broader cost-of-living pressure on families and small businesses.
Read in Hansard ↗Ted O'Brien says the coalition will support the appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. package, including the parliamentary departments bill, because it will not block supply.
Read in Hansard ↗Kate Chaney supports the appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. package, including this companion bill, because it funds measures she backs such as cheaper home batteries, mental health care and housing, while warning the government to improve long term budget sustainability and revenue reform.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
25 speakers · 25 support
“What my speech here today shows is that we're investing in Tasmania and its local infrastructure. We're investing in my electorate, where it's greatly needed, because it had been abandoned by those opposite when they were in government. It's terrific to be able to do that and to also provide that cost-of-living support that I know is so important to so many Tasmanians.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“As we consider these appropriations, I support the investments that strengthen civics education, democratic participation and media literacy across the country, because every time we help a child understand parliament, every time we give a young person a meaningful say and every time we teach someone how to test what they are being told online, we do more than fund a program. We strengthen the democratic fabric of Australia, and that is good investment, indeed. I am so proud of the work that is happening across the country to strengthen our civics education, our media literacy and ultimately our democracy. I am incredibly passionate about so much of that happening in my community of Griffith.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to support the Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026 and related bills. These additional estimates appropriation bills provide the legislative basis for the Albanese government's policy decisions taken in MYEFO. MYEFO is often something that gets a bit overlooked in the wash, and I doubt there are many Australians there who are following the passage of this legislation closely today, but fair enough—it can be a bit of a dry topic.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Appropriation bills, like the Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026 and the related bills, are also about the investment choices that we make as a nation. They tell Australians what we value and the type of future we intend to create. They fund the essential services people rely on. They also shape the way the government participates in and influences the economy through its decisions. Much broader than that too, these bills underpin something we should be talking more about this in this place, and that's government procurement.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“When we were elected, we committed to delivering on the issues that matter to Australians, like better infrastructure, health and education outcomes. I am proud that we are delivering real changes and real cost-of-living relief for Australians in my community in the west and for those right around the country. On doing so, I commend this bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-26, while modest in dollar terms, is equally essential. It provides additional funding to the Department of the House of Representatives and the Department of Parliamentary Services to support the operations of this parliament for the remainder of the financial year. This funding underpins the practical work that allows members to represent their constituents, committees to conduct inquiries and the parliament to function securely and effectively. In an era where democratic institutions face increasing global pressure, properly resourcing the parliament is not an indulgence; it is a safeguard. Across all three bills, there is consistent emphasis on accountability. The appropriations are supported by the portfolio budget statements and portfolio additional estimates statements, which provide detailed information on how funds are allocated and the outcomes they are intended to support. These documents form part of the interpretive framework of the legislation and are essential tools for parliamentary scrutiny.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“As I conclude, it is worth reminding ourselves why appropriation bills matter so profoundly in this place. They are not simply numbers on a page, lines in a ledger nor dry counting exercises. They are the mechanism by which this parliament turns priorities into progress. Through appropriations, we give legal authority for the public's money to be invested in the public good. It is through these bills that Medicare is strengthened, that bulk-billing clinics keep the doors open and that free TAFE students gain new skills without new debt. It is through these bills that new homes are built, that mental health services open their doors and that more doctors are trained for more communities. Every initiative we have spoken about today, from education to housing, from health care to energy, depends on the authority granted by this parliament.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak on the 2025-26 additional estimates appropriations bills known as AEs. These bills, Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026 and Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026, are appropriations that are necessary for the operation of government. They underpin the Albanese Labor government's expenditure decisions made since the 2025-26 budget that relate to that financial year, including decisions made in the MYEFO.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Labor took a different approach of responsible economic management focused not on politics but on the long-term interests of every Australian and supporting our Australians doing it tough. Since coming to office, we've delivered two consecutive budget surpluses, the first in nearly two decades. This is strengthening the nation's finances. Under the coalition, debt was forecast to exceed $1 trillion in 2023-24. Through disciplined budget management, we've pushed that back and avoided more than $60 billion in interest costs. We've identified $114 billion in savings, including $20 billion in the December MYEFO. We know households are still under pressure and inflation is stubborn. That is why we are combining responsible fiscal repair with targeted cost-of-living relief, rebuilding the budget while supporting Australians through challenging times.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak in support of the Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026 and the related bills because I am proud to be part of the Albanese Labor government, which is delivering on its commitments across the country, including in my electorate of Whitlam. I am proud because our government is focused on delivering real outcomes for the Australian community. We aren't a government of empty promises. We don't hide behind empty slogans. We're not engaged in fearmongering or culture wars. We are focused on delivering real outcomes for the Australian people.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak on the appropriation bills before the House and, in doing so, I want to celebrate the priorities of this Albanese government. Now, budgets aren't just about numbers; they are also about values. Every appropriation bill tells a story about the country we are trying to build together. These bills are not simply line items on a spreadsheet; they are investments in the kind of Australia we want to be. They show what we believe matters, and what this government believes is very simple: that Australia works best when no-one is left behind.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak on Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026 and Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026. High-performing governments invest money efficiently and in line with their priorities. It takes hard work, careful diligence, running the numbers and then running the numbers again and again. It requires a degree of engagement with risk. It's a deliberate policy act, and I am careful to refrain from describing this as spending, because it is actually investment. It is an investment in Australia's people—their futures and Australia's future. It is an investment in sustainability, in security and in health. It is an investment in systems that work and in infrastructure that delivers value for Australians. This is what the Albanese Labor government is doing. We are investing in Australia for the future. In these appropriation bills, there is more than $3.2 billion to implement the 2024 NDS, the National Defence Strategy, and Defence's 2024 Integrated Investment Program, the IIP, and to enable the delivery of prioritised capabilities.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“At the centre of all this is Medicare, making sure Australians can see a doctor, get the care they need and look after their health without breaking the bank. I am proud of the $32 million package we have delivered. As a Labor MP, I am proud of our investment in women's health, in Medicare, in hospitals, in skills and in homes. As the member for Hunter, I am proud that families in places like Cessnock, Kurri, Singleton and Lake Macquarie are already seeing the benefits. These bills are about building a healthier, stronger, fairer Australia. That is what Labor stands for, that is what Labor delivers, and that is what we'll keep delivering in this term and beyond. I commend the bills to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“These appropriations are further evidence of the commitment of this government to govern for all Australians. They support climate action that lowers bills. They strengthen Medicare and protect the NDIS. They modernise our defence capability. They safeguard our security while reinforcing social cohesion. They act to address the housing needs of communities like mine in Hasluck. Importantly, they are extensions. They are backed by four years of demonstrated delivery. In Hasluck and across Western Australia, people are not interested in political theatre. They want to see government that identifies challenges, invests responsibly and then follows through. That is what these appropriations do; they invest in households, in health, in security and in the future resilience of our nation. For these reasons, I commend the bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“These bills will deliver on the government's economic plan, which is focused on rolling out responsible cost-of-living relief and building a stronger economy. On this side of the House, we stand for lower taxes, we stand for workers earning more and keeping more of what they earn, and we believe that no-one should be held back and no-one should be left behind. I commend the bills to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise today to speak in support of the 2025-26 additional estimates appropriation bills: Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026 and Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026. Before making my remarks, I acknowledge I am making these remarks on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. I pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons who have joined us in the gallery today.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The bills before us, as other speakers have established, are Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026 and Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026. These bills underpin the government's expenditure decisions that have been made since the last budget. They are related to the financial year and include the changes that have been made and were announced in the midyear update at the end of last year.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“There is always a lot of talk about government funding in an abstract sense, with huge figures discussed at a national scale, but this is what these numbers mean in my local community. These are real, practical changes that have been provided to my community. These are real, practical improvements delivered to the hip pocket right across my community. These are real, practical improvements to the lives of those in my community. It is these changes and these stories that are why I'm passionate about continuing the work that we started in our previous term. The Albanese Labor government has introduced a broad range of supports and programs to address the cost of living. We know that there's more work to do in 2026, and we're committed to doing more of the same.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“On this side sits a Labor government with a plan, a record and a deep sense of responsibility to the people we serve. We came to office to repair what had been broken, and we're doing that. We came to office to ease the cost of living for working families, and we're doing that. And we came to office with a vision of a country where hard work is rewarded, health care is universal, housing is within reach and every child, regardless of postcode or background, has a chance to succeed and thrive. This is the Australia I see every day in Flemington and Moonee Ponds and Airport West and Gladstone Park. It is the Australia these communities deserve and it is Australia that we're building.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“These appropriation bills have ensured responsible cost-of-living relief. The Albanese Labor government is focused on getting inflation under control while easing cost-of-living pressures for Australian families. That is what my electorate of Dickson voted for and that's what we are delivering here.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise today to speak in support of this package of appropriation bills: the Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026 and related bills. These bills give effect to decisions outlined in the 2025-26 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, which the Albanese Labor government delivered at the end of last year. MYEFO strengthened the budget, reduced debt and reinforced our government's responsible approach to economic and fiscal management. The figures demonstrate a significantly stronger budget position than the one we inherited and a stronger position than was forecast at the time of the election. In fact, it was the only mid-year update on record to deliver a better bottom line in every year of the forward estimates, less debt in every year of the forward estimates and net policy decisions that improve, not worsen, the fiscal outlook. We are delivering on our commitments, making space for unavoidable pressures and strengthening the budget all at once.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“It gives me great pleasure to stand here today and talk on the appropriation bills: Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026 and Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026. It gives members of parliament an opportunity to look at budget promises that were made and what's been delivered—and certainly in the area of infrastructure, lots has been delivered in the federal seat of Adelaide.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak in support of these appropriation bills. These bills enable the Albanese Labor government to deliver on the commitments that we made to all Australians at the last election—commitments grounded in fairness, responsibility and care for one another. They fund the services Australians rely upon every single day—things like health, mental health services and aged care, and ensure this parliament has the resources it needs to function effectively. When re-elected, the Prime Minister promised to make a positive difference to all Australians each and every day, to invest in our youngest Australians, to look after our oldest and to build a society that is strong and fair and as resilient and generous as Australians themselves. These bills give effect to that promise.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill 2 provides additional appropriations of $9.2 million for the operations of Parliamentary Departments, specifically the Department of the House of Representatives and the Department of Parliamentary Services, for the remainder of 2025-26.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) provides additional appropriations of $9.2 million for the operations of parliamentary departments, specifically the Department of the House of Representatives and the Department of Parliamentary Services, for the remainder of 2025-26.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
17 speakers · 19 contributions · 7 support · 7 oppose · 1 mixed · 2 unclear
“I rise today to speak on the Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026. Of course the coalition will support the passage of these appropriation bills through the parliament. We would not be blocking supply. We are talking here about an additional $12.7 billion to come from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, broken up into three parts: $9.1 billion for ordinary services, $3.5 billion for non-ordinary services and $9.2 million for parliamentary departments. But it's very important I make this point. While the coalition will not stand in the way of the appropriation bills, the government should not take this to mean that we support the government's ongoing spending.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Let's be clear, offering our support for these bills is the normal practice of the opposition when it comes to appropriation and supply bills. It doesn't mean to say that we agree with everything that is contained in these bills or the policies that have driven the need of these appropriations. As Senator Bragg has just quite articulately put on the record, we are at a stage in this country where the spending of government is completely out of control and is driving our economy to a place that is going to be a place where our children and their children are going to wear the consequences of the recklessness of this current government's attitude to taxation and to the economy.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This statement by the RBA governor completely contradicts the spin from Treasurer Chalmers. For our local community, it's not just economic theory. It's about real people, real families and real small businesses who are seeing their cost of living rising because the government refuses to show spending restraint. The RBA confirmed that the Albanese Labor government spending is contributing to interest rate rises, and, while local families and small businesses are having to manage their own household and business budgets, the Treasurer and Labor cannot manage their own budget, and it's Australians that pay the price. Local residents like Matt from Lilydale deserve to know why their interest rates have gone up, why they are paying more on their mortgage and why cost-of-living pressures continue to worsen. The Treasurer thinks he can spin his way out of inflation, but the reality is that he cannot, and it's the Australian people who continue to pay for his failures.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We will support this bill. We don't support all the measures in this bill but we will support it. But we will not let a day go past as the federal coalition without reminding this government that it must think about all of those individuals like Paul from my electorate in Coolangatta who are doing it tough because of the decisions that are being made under this Labor government, under this Treasurer, who, frankly, should know better.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak on the Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026 and related appropriation bills. Let me be clear from the outset: the coalition won't oppose or delay the passage of these bills. While we don't support all of the policies and programs funded in this budget, these appropriation bills are necessary legislative mechanisms to fund decisions that the government has already made. But just because we're not opposing these bills does not mean we will remain silent on the reckless spending and bad choices that sit behind them. These appropriation bills authorise a further $12.7 billion in spending—$9.1 billion for ordinary services, $3½ billion for non-ordinary services and just over $9 million for parliamentary departments—on top of what was already a big-spending budget.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In the context of appropriation, we are appropriating money to help people right across the country, and we should do it in regions as well as cities to make our country as great as it can be.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In the spirit of a contribution to the appropriation bill debate, of course, the appropriation bills are the government's expenditure. There's no question that at 27 per cent of GDP, when we're already living in a country which has got a high tax burden on people in particular, the government is spending too much. So the question for all the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives over the next couple of years as we get closer to the election is, 'Are members of the parliament going to be honest with the Australian people about the sustainability of public finances?' because, after four years of Labor, the budget trajectory is never going to recover. They have broken the budget. Public finances in Australia are stuffed, and that's why the high taxes have to be considered in the budget.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We're talking about these appropriation bills today, a request for another $12.7 billion in taxpayer funds, because this government has a serious spending problem. It would actually make a five-year-old in a lolly shop look disciplined. They are spending money they don't have to fund programs we don't need and to satisfy inner-city ideology that the average Australian just can't afford. The Treasurer likes to stand up and talk about restraint. What restraint? This is the highest-spending government outside of a pandemic in 40 years. They are outstripping record levels of revenue with record levels of waste. In 2025, this Commonwealth raised $717 billion in receipts, the highest in 25 years. They are swimming in taxpayer cash like Scrooge McDuck. Yet those opposites are still running deficits. They're like a household that gets a massive pay increase but still manage to max out the credit card.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The opposition does not, as you would expect, support all of the policies and programs in the federal budget. However, the Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026, the Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026 and the Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026 do provide the legislative mechanism by which the policies and programs of the government's 2025-26 budget need to be funded. Of course the opposition does not oppose or delay this. Supply needs to be given. I won't quite go as far as to say 'confidence', because there are many people across the country in metropolitan cities, in regional Australia and in remote communities who do not have confidence in this government, and for good reason.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Spending is needed—spending is needed in all of the areas that I've outlined—but this appropriation bill is a clear indication of poor planning, of spiralling spending in all the wrong places and of an out-of-control budget that continues to fuel the rocket of inflation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“As with previous appropriation bills from this government, unfortunately what we see here again is a government that has its agenda and its priorities all wrong. It's a government that has not been upfront with the Australian people for four years. We have seen over that period 14 interest rate rises. We have seen over that period a government that has been using its monetary policy and its fiscal policy in direct contradiction to the monetary policy outcomes sought by the Reserve Bank. We've had a government that's been pouring money into the economy at a time when the Reserve Bank has been seeking to put downward pressure on inflation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I'm very pleased to rise to speak on the appropriation bill. For those who are listening or watching, this is an opportunity for us to talk about how the government is spending your money—not its money, your money—where it's spending it and whether it's being spent properly. It's also about where it's not being spent, which most of my speech will be about. But I'm going to do something quite unorthodox. I'm going to start by complimenting somebody from the other side. That is the Minister for Health and Ageing, and it is in relation to the decision by the minister to backflip on a proposal to stop intravitreal eye injections from being claimable under private health insurance. I have no doubt that you're aware of that, Deputy Speaker, with your—”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak on the Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026, the Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026 and the Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026. The Albanese government has made history as the highest spending government outside of the pandemic in 40 years. In coming years, it is projected, they will break their own record. I've said it many times, and I'll keep saying it: this Labor government is run by politics, not by policy, and they have no respect for the taxpayer. They answer only to their union boss. They have no respect for the small-business owner. The national accounts show this. The government debt shows this. Our inflation shows this—it's the highest in the OECD. Spend, spend, spend, spend, spend, and then, one day, the next Liberal-National government will fix it.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Michelle Landry on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Michelle Landry says the coalition will not oppose the appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. package, including the parliamentary departments bill, because it is needed to keep government operating. She argues, however, that the bills expose Labor's poor economic management, excessive spending and neglect of regional Australia.
“Let me be clear from the outset: the coalition recognises that the appropriation bills are the mechanism through which governments fund their policies and keep the machinery of government operating, but the decision not to oppose these bills must never be mistaken for an endorsement of this government's economic management, spending priorities or complete lack of fiscal restraint and disregard for everyday Australians, who will ultimately be left to pick up the Albanese government's tab. Appropriation bills such as these present one of the rare opportunities for this parliament to step back and examine the totality of government operations, spending decisions and fiscal discipline—or, in this case, the glaring absence of it.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Michelle Landry says the opposition will not oppose the appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. bills, but argues they show a government that is overspending and worsening inflation, debt and pressure on regional Australia. She says the coalition will let the bills pass while continuing to attack Labor's broader fiscal management.
“These appropriation bills may be technical in nature, but they reflect a deeper and more troubling pattern. This is a government that believes more spending is always the answer, regardless of the economic or regional consequences. The opposition will not oppose these bills, but we will continue to hold the government to account. Australians deserve fiscal responsibility, measured budgeting and leadership that understands that proper fiscal management, focused on the most important priorities, is not optional in an inflationary environment; it is essential. When Labor spends, Australians pay. It's time for leadership that puts Australians first.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“I want to speak about how, when Labor spends, we pay. The biggest collapse in living standards in the developed world—that is a statement no Australian is proud of right now. It comes because Labor has an addiction to spending which is driving up the cost of living. We have a $1.2 trillion debt bomb that future generations—our children, our grandchildren—will be paying for. Who knows how long it will take to come down? It will certainly be a lot longer if Labor stays in power.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Rick Wilson on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Rick Wilson says the coalition will support the appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. package, including this bill, but argues the government is overspending, fuelling inflation and neglecting regional Western Australia. He says some funded projects are worthwhile, yet the opposition wants savings and objects to parts of the spending.
“Tonight I rise to speak on Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026 and Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026. For those watching, these bills are about appropriating funds for the government. These funds are for many worthy projects, no question about that. The coalition will be supporting the bills. However, there are some projects that we don't support and there are savings that do have to be made.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Rick Wilson opposes the bill, arguing it is part of the government's excessive spending that is driving up debt, inflation and interest rates. He says Labor's spending growth is far too high and is making households worse off.
“As I'm in continuation, I'll just reiterate some of the points I was making last week about the government's profligate spending. I just remind people that spending growth is running at four times the rate of the growth of the economy, and debt is forecast to soon reach $1.2 trillion. Spending is now $160 billion higher than when the government came to office in 2022. That's an additional $16,000 for every household across Australia. Since coming to office, the government has added around $100 billion to the national debt.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“While the opposition will not stand in the way of government funding, that doesn't mean that we are going to stay silent about what this spending in these appropriation bills means. We will not oppose these bills. We will not delay these bills. But that cooperation should not be mistaken for a waiver of scrutiny or accountability, because Australians want to understand exactly what is going wrong under this government, and they only need to look at where the money is going to figure out why. The fastest way to understand the failures of this government in terms of its economic management and its budget management is to follow the money through these additional appropriation bills that we are debating here today. When you do that, a very clear pattern begins to emerge.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 2 contributions · 1 oppose
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Malcolm Roberts on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Malcolm Roberts opposes the appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. package, including this bill, because he says it pours more taxpayer money into recurring spending and especially net zero programs that he calls wasteful and corrupt.
“The government has advanced a suite of appropriation bills covering an additional $9 billion of spending for this financial year. These appropriation bills provide allocations of taxpayers' money to maintain the government's recurring expenditure on operational matters and on the many, many, many schemes the government is using to funnel taxpayers' money into the pockets of their donors and friends in the net zero scam, the parasitic net zero scam.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Malcolm Roberts opposes the appropriationA legal approval for the Australian Government or a parliamentary department to spend public money for stated purposes. package, including the bill, because he says it funds net zero policies that should be stripped out. He foreshadows an amendment to send the bills back to Treasury to remove that spending and asks the Senate to back that change.
“I foreshadow my amendment No. 3662 in the committee stage to return these bills to the Treasury to have net zero spending removed and ask for the Senate's support. It's time to call out this parasitic net zero nonsense and get back to the real business of government: making people's lives better, not harder, as net zero measures currently do.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
2 speakers · 2 support
“Appropriations are ultimately about choices: how we invest scarce public dollars to ease cost-of-living pressures now, build the productive capacity of the economy and honour our obligations to each other, especially to the young and to the vulnerable. There is much in these bills and in MYEFO that helps: cheaper home batteries that cut bills and emissions, a serious expansion of youth mental health care and a housing package focused on first home buyers. But we must also be honest about our long-term fiscal pressures. We keep the budget on a sustainable path by prioritising prevention, by raising revenue fairly, by reducing tax concessions that no longer serve their intended purpose and by considering well-designed levies where the public interest is clear. That is how we protect the next generation's opportunities, how we give people in Curtin and across Australia confidence that their parliament can deliver practical progress, clear priorities and long-term responsibility at the same time.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak on Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026 and Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026. Australians want a government that works for them. When the budget is predicated on poorer productivity forecasts, Australians know that means living standards will stay lower for longer. Combined with low growth, rising inflation, rising interest rates, the recent fuel crisis and the general cost-of-living crisis, Australians are not optimistic about the future. Polling from Ipsos in February found that 56 per cent of Australians think the country is on the wrong track. The budget in May must turn that around. It must address inequality in as many ways as possible. It must change capital gains tax and negative gearing and work towards changing housing from an investment back into a place to live. It needs to look at spending and say, 'Is this value for money?' If it isn't, that money needs to be deployed where it can do the most good.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
House · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
House · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Referred to Federation Chamber
Referred to Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Returned to House for further consideration
Returned to House for further consideration
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
House · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 40 to 5.
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Senate · Third reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 40 to 5.
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Parliament · Finally passed both Houses
Passed both houses
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Assent · Assent
Assent
The Governor-General gave Royal Assent, turning the bill into an Act.
