Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2024-2025

Stage by Stage

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

1. Tuesday 4 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The House of Representatives considered the Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2024-2025, which sought approval for $5.1 billion in appropriations from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. The sole speaker, Stephen Jones, outlined the distribution of funds across several departments, highlighting significant investments in renewable energy and infrastructure. The debate was brief, with no opposing views presented before the session was adjourned.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 11 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Opposition members supported the appropriation bills to ensure government services continued but used the debate to criticise the government's economic management and energy policy. Luke Howarth argued that high inflation, rising energy costs, and business closures resulted from government spending and reliance on renewable energy. Anne Webster focused on the negative impact of renewable infrastructure on regional agriculture and advocated for nuclear energy as a cheaper alternative. Jenny Ware echoed concerns about cost-of-living pressures before her speech was cut short. No amendments were moved, and the outcome of the vote is not stated in the provided transcript.

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3. Tuesday 11 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Opposition members supported the appropriation bills to ensure government continuity while criticizing the Labor government's economic management, citing high inflation, rising living costs, and increased public service spending. Dan Tehan spoke against the bills, arguing that the government prioritized ideological projects over cost-of-living relief and infrastructure maintenance, while also criticizing policies on energy, health, and crime. He highlighted disparities in grant funding and failures to address regional GP shortages or reduce power bills before outlining coalition priorities for road funding and community safety. The debate concluded with opposition members calling for a change in government to address these economic challenges.

   Outcome: The bills were read a second time.

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4. Tuesday 11 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
   See who spoke

5. Tuesday 11 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
   See who spoke

6. Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
   See who spoke

7. Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the second reading of three appropriation bills for the 2024-2025 financial year. Senator Malcolm Roberts moved a series of amendments on behalf of Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party. These amendments sought to significantly reduce funding allocations, specifically targeting the Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water portfolio. The proposed changes included reducing a specific clause amount from over five billion dollars to approximately one point four billion dollars. The Senate rejected all nine amendments moved by the senator.

   Outcome: The question on the amendments was negatived.

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