Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Tuesday 25 March 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Treasurer moved the second reading of the bill, outlining the government's budget priorities focused on cost-of-living relief, economic stability, and future investment. Key measures included new tax cuts, energy rebates, student debt reduction, and significant funding for healthcare and housing. The Treasurer argued that the budget represented responsible management, citing improved fiscal indicators and a strategy to boost productivity and wages. The debate was adjourned following the Treasurer's speech.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

   Read the full summary

2. Thursday 27 March 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Peter Dutton, Leader of the Opposition, delivered a speech opposing the bill and outlining the Coalition's alternative policy platform for the upcoming election. He criticised the government's economic management, citing rising costs for energy, housing, and groceries, and argued that the budget was an election exercise rather than a long-term plan. Dutton announced several new policies, including a fuel excise cut, a national gas plan, reduced migration levels, and increased defence spending. The debate concluded with the House adjourning without a vote on the bill.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned and the House adjourned at 20:09 without a final vote on the bill.

   Read the full summary

3. Wednesday 30 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the second reading of the Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026, which forms part of the government's budget supply measures. The Assistant Treasurer moved the motion, outlining that the bill provides remaining annual appropriations and funds new budget measures following the federal election. The speech detailed funding allocations for defence, health, foreign affairs, and home affairs, noting a net reduction in expenditure compared to lapsed bills. The debate was adjourned without further contributions from other members.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

   Read the full summary

4. Monday 1 September 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the appropriation of $98.2 billion for government operations and budget measures for the 2025-26 financial year. The Coalition supported the bills to ensure service continuity but strongly criticised the government's economic management, citing rising debt, inflation, and falling living standards. Labor members defended the government's record on reducing inflation, creating jobs, and delivering cost-of-living relief through tax cuts, healthcare investments, and housing support. National Party members raised concerns regarding energy policy impacts on agriculture, water management in the Murray-Darling Basin, and regional infrastructure funding. The debate concluded with speeches highlighting local community benefits and opposition critiques of energy transition costs.

   Read the full summary

5. Tuesday 2 September 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on the government's budget priorities, with Labor members highlighting investments in health, housing, education, and cost-of-living relief. Opposition and independent members criticised the national debt, energy policy impacts on industry, and the process of funding election commitments. Key issues included the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, Medicare urgent care clinics, and infrastructure projects in regional electorates. No amendments were moved during this stage of the debate.

   Read the full summary

6. Wednesday 3 September 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the government's spending priorities as outlined in the appropriation bills, with members highlighting local infrastructure and social issues. Jodie Belyea detailed federal investments in her electorate of Dunkley, including health, housing, and community grants, while Alison Penfold criticised the state of roads in Lyne, citing flood damage and inadequate funding for maintenance and safety upgrades. No amendments were moved during this segment of the debate.

   Outcome: The debate was interrupted before a vote was taken.

   Read the full summary

7. Thursday 4 September 2025 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
   See who spoke

8. Thursday 4 September 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Members of the Australian Labor Party supported the appropriation bills, arguing they funded essential government priorities including healthcare, housing, education, and local infrastructure. Alicia Payne highlighted national fiscal management and specific investments in Canberra, such as a new convention precinct, healthcare upgrades, and defence industry support. Sarah Witty focused on the impact of student debt relief, housing affordability measures, and cultural investments in Melbourne. Both speakers emphasised that the bills reflected the government's commitment to fairness and delivering on election promises.

   Read the full summary

9. Tuesday 7 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   Members debated the government's funding and policy directions for education, defence, climate adaptation, and regional diplomacy. Government members highlighted investments in public schools, defence capabilities, and Indo-Pacific security, while opposition and independent members criticised rising costs, regional disparities, and the disparity between defence spending and climate resilience funding. The discussion covered issues such as teacher shortages, weapons exports, and diplomatic progress with the United States and Vanuatu. Government ministers defended the budget's focus on development aid and regional partnerships throughout the proceedings.

   Outcome: The proposed expenditure was agreed to and the debate was adjourned.

   Read the full summary

10. Wednesday 8 October 2025 · House of Representatives

    Consideration in Detail

    Members debated the Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026, with the opposition criticizing high debt, economic deterioration, and failures in migration and security policies. Government members defended their fiscal management, highlighting cost-of-living relief, investments in agriculture and multiculturalism, and progress in justice and industry support. The debate covered a wide range of portfolios, including Home Affairs, where the Assistant Minister rejected claims regarding citizens returning from Syria. Throughout the proceedings, the proposed expenditure for each section was agreed to by the House.

    Outcome: The proposed expenditure was agreed to, and consideration in detail of the bill was set down for the next sitting.

    Read the full summary

11. Thursday 9 October 2025 · House of Representatives

    Consideration in Detail

    Members debated the government's management of social services, healthcare, disability support, and Indigenous affairs during the consideration in detail of the Appropriation Bill. Government members highlighted investments in gender-based violence prevention, paid parental leave, urgent care networks, and mental health services, while defending record Medicare investments and reduced processing backlogs. Opposition and independent members criticised rising out-of-pocket medical costs, NDIS funding cuts, delays in aged care reforms, and the lack of preventive health investment, alongside concerns over rising debt and Indigenous policy accountability. The debate concluded with the proposed expenditure being agreed to.

    Outcome: The proposed expenditure was agreed to, and the bill was reported to the House without amendment.

    Read the full summary

12. Thursday 9 October 2025 · House of Representatives

    Third Reading
    See who spoke

13. Tuesday 28 October 2025 · Senate

    Second Reading
    See who spoke

14. Tuesday 28 October 2025 · Senate

    Third Reading
    See who spoke