Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027

Stage by Stage

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

1. Tuesday 12 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Treasurer introduced the Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027, outlining a budget strategy designed to address global economic shocks, particularly those stemming from conflict in the Middle East and rising oil prices. The government proposed significant investments in fuel security, cost-of-living relief through tax cuts, and structural reforms to housing, productivity, and the tax system. The budget also included substantial savings measures, notably to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, to ensure fiscal sustainability. The debate was adjourned following the Treasurer's speech.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Thursday 14 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Angus Taylor, Leader of the Opposition, delivered a speech opposing the bill, framing it as part of a broader attack on aspiration and economic stability by the Labor government. He outlined a comprehensive coalition platform focusing on tax reform, immigration caps linked to housing supply, deregulation, and energy security. The debate concluded with the adjournment of the House, with no other members speaking or amendments moved during this session.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned and the House adjourned at 20:05.

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3. Monday 25 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Members debated the Appropriation Bills, focusing on tax reforms, housing supply, and regional infrastructure funding. Government members, including Tony Zappia, defended the budget as responsible and beneficial for economic resilience, while opposition and independent members, such as Andrew Willcox, criticized the measures as fiscally reckless and punitive to investors. The Greens proposed an amendment for a gas export tax, which was not passed, and the discussion highlighted deep divisions over economic direction before being interrupted.

   Outcome: The debate was interrupted.

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4. Tuesday 26 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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5. Tuesday 26 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on the 2026 budget, with Labor members defending tax reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax as necessary measures to address housing affordability and intergenerational equity. Opposition members argued these changes broke election promises, increased sovereign risk, and would reduce housing supply while penalising small businesses and retirees. Centre Alliance member Rebekha Sharkie opposed the bill, citing community backlash against tax changes and immigration levels. The debate concluded with the adjournment of the Federation Chamber.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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6. Wednesday 27 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Members debated the 2026-2027 budget, focusing on tax reforms to negative gearing and capital gains tax, housing supply measures, and cost-of-living relief. Government members argued the reforms address intergenerational inequality and improve housing affordability, while opposition members claimed the changes punish aspiration, break election promises, and harm regional communities and small businesses. Independent member Helen Haines supported some reforms but urged greater consultation and highlighted underfunding in regional health and infrastructure.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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7. Thursday 28 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centered on the 2026-2027 budget appropriations, with significant disagreement over tax reforms regarding negative gearing and capital gains tax. The National Party criticized the government for breaking election promises and cutting regional services, while the Assistant Minister defended the budget as fiscally responsible and beneficial for housing supply. Members also discussed broader issues including health care, infrastructure, and migration policy, with opponents arguing the reforms lacked a democratic mandate. The proceedings concluded with the adjournment of the debate.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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8. Tuesday 2 June 2026 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   Members debated the government's spending proposals for education, defence, and health, with government members highlighting investments in public schools, defence capabilities, and Medicare bulk-billing. Opposition members criticised funding uncertainties for non-government schools, research cuts, and NDIS reforms, while Independent member Sophie Scamps called for greater investment in preventative health measures. The debate covered various portfolio expenditures, including those for defence and health, amidst differing views on policy impacts and sustainability. The proposed expenditure for the Defence portfolio was agreed to, and the broader proposed expenditure was also agreed to.

   Outcome: The proposed expenditure was agreed to, and detailed consideration of the bill was scheduled for the next sitting.

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9. Tuesday 2 June 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading
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10. Wednesday 3 June 2026 · House of Representatives

    Consideration in Detail

    Members debated the Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027, with opposition and independent members criticising net zero policies, tax changes, and cuts to apprenticeship incentives, drought preparedness, and nature conservation. Government members defended investments in critical minerals, cost-of-living relief, employment services, and gender-based violence prevention, while the Attorney-General highlighted legal services and regional diplomacy. The Minister for Resources addressed gas security and rejected windfall taxes, as Labor members emphasised housing affordability and institutional integrity against claims of excessive spending. The debate concluded with the proposed expenditure being agreed to across all parts.

    Outcome: The proposed expenditure was agreed to, and detailed consideration of the bill was scheduled for the next sitting.

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11. Thursday 4 June 2026 · House of Representatives

    Report from Federation Chamber
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12. Thursday 4 June 2026 · House of Representatives

    Third Reading
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13. Monday 22 June 2026 · Senate

    First Reading
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14. Monday 22 June 2026 · Senate

    Second Reading

    The Senate debated the government's budget appropriation bills for the 2026-27 financial year. The Minister for Industry and Innovation moved the second reading, outlining funding allocations for health, defence, infrastructure, and parliamentary services. The debate was adjourned without further speeches or amendments being recorded in the provided transcript.

    Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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15. Monday 29 June 2026 · Senate

    Limitation of Debate
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