Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026, Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026; Second Reading

Neumann supported the bills, arguing that the government had successfully reduced inflation to within the target band while maintaining low unemployment and strong wage growth. Neumann highlighted budget improvements, including back-to-back surpluses and a reduction in debt interest. Neumann detailed specific benefits for his electorate, including tax cuts, energy bill relief, Medicare investments, and a reduction in the maximum PBS co-payment to $25. Neumann also discussed housing measures, such as allowing first-home buyers to purchase with a five per cent deposit, and investments in childcare and local infrastructure.

Birrell criticised the government's policies on energy, water, and agriculture, arguing they threatened regional economic prosperity. Birrell expressed concern that the energy transition was proceeding without community consultation and could lead to businesses moving offshore. Birrell opposed changes to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, stating that water buybacks damaged the agricultural sector. Birrell also criticised the government's stance on live exports and the withdrawal of the ag visa pathway, while calling for increased funding for regional infrastructure and health workforce initiatives.

Cook supported the bills, framing them as a reflection of Labor values focused on housing, education, and health. Cook highlighted the social determinants of health and detailed investments in Medicare urgent care clinics and mental health centres. Cook emphasised the reduction in PBS prescription costs and the freezing of prices for pensioners. Cook also discussed the benefits of fee-free TAFE, student debt reductions, and the first-home buyer deposit scheme, arguing these measures improved accessibility and affordability for Australians.

Webster opposed the bills, arguing that the government's energy policies were driving up electricity bills and failing to meet renewable energy targets. Webster cited cost blowouts in transmission projects and claimed that public support for renewables was declining. Webster criticised the government for imposing fines on farmers for refusing access to land for transmission lines. Webster argued that the government was hiding the true costs of the energy transition and that emissions had not decreased as promised, leading to job losses in manufacturing sectors.

Campbell supported the bills, asserting that the government was actively addressing the cost of living through tax cuts, energy relief, and student debt reductions. Campbell highlighted investments in healthcare, including urgent care clinics and PBS cost reductions, and discussed housing measures such as rent assistance and social housing construction. Campbell detailed local infrastructure projects in her electorate, including road upgrades, community facility funding, and environmental restoration programs, arguing these delivered tangible benefits to residents.

Wilson criticised the government for failing to honour election commitments regarding funding for the Glen Eira Adult Learning Centre and local sports facilities. Wilson argued that residents in his electorate were being left behind due to lack of infrastructure investment. Wilson also raised concerns about the integrity of political commitments regarding climate action, citing instances where MPs voted for fossil fuel subsidies despite campaigning on climate platforms. Wilson called for the government to deliver on promised funding for community services and infrastructure upgrades.