Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Parliamentary Business Resources Legislation Amendment (Machinery of Government Change) Bill 2025; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Tuesday 25 March 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate concerned a bill to delay the transfer of parliamentary resource administration from the Department of Finance to the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority by one year. The government argued this extension would reduce disruption following the 2025 election and allow new workplace reforms to mature. No opposition was raised during the brief debate. The bill was passed without amendment.

Outcome

The bill was read a second time and agreed to.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Gorman moved the second reading, explaining that the bill postponed the transfer of administrative responsibilities until 1 July 2026. The member argued this delay would minimise disruption for parliamentarians and staff during the heightened activity surrounding the 2025 election. Gorman stated the extension allowed time for recent Commonwealth parliamentary workplace reforms, including the establishment of the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service and the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission, to mature. The member noted that the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority would retain its existing functions regarding travel resources and transparency during this period.