Continued the debate
Mulino moved that the bill be read a second time, explaining that it works alongside other appropriation bills to fund the government's 2025-26 budget. Mulino noted the bills were reintroduced after lapsing at the dissolution of the previous parliament to cover remaining annual appropriations and new budget measures. Mulino highlighted minor changes reflecting economic outlook variations, election commitments to reduce spending on consultants, and machinery-of-government adjustments. Mulino stated the net effect was a reduction of approximately $216.2 million compared to the lapsed bills. The bill seeks approval for about $83.4 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, contributing to a total of $169.5 billion for ordinary annual services.