Opened the debate
Jones moved that the bill be read a second time, explaining that it provided interim appropriations for parliamentary departments until full budget bills were passed. Jones noted the bill sought $139.5 million from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, representing approximately five-twelfths of the annual estimates. The funding levels were described as broadly consistent with the previous year's base, adjusted for economic and program-specific factors. Jones emphasised that no new budget measures were included in this interim supply bill. Jones also confirmed that the advance to the responsible Presiding Officer remained at $1.9 million, unchanged from prior arrangements.