Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) 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 House of Representatives considered the Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026, which sought funding for parliamentary operations for the final seven months of the financial year. The member for Whitlam moved the motion for the second reading, outlining the bill's purpose and key financial provisions. The debate was brief, with only one speaker contributing before the matter was adjourned.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned and the House adjourned at 20:09.

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2. Wednesday 30 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the funding of parliamentary departments for the final seven months of the 2025-26 financial year. The Assistant Treasurer moved the second reading, outlining that the bill would provide $195.1 million from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. This amount, combined with previous supply acts, totals $334.7 million for the year, with over $155 million allocated to the Department of Parliamentary Services. The legislation also incorporates savings related to reducing spending on consultants and contractors. The debate was adjourned without further speeches.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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3. 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.

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4. 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.

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5. 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.

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6. Thursday 4 September 2025 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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7. 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.

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8. Thursday 9 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading
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9. Thursday 9 October 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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10. Tuesday 28 October 2025 · Senate

    Second Reading
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11. Tuesday 28 October 2025 · Senate

    Third Reading
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