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

Coker supported the bills, stating they underpinned the government's reform agenda and addressed cost-of-living pressures through investments in housing, health, and energy. Coker highlighted specific benefits for her electorate, including a new Medicare urgent care clinic in Torquay, scholarships for nurses, and record investments in women's health. Coker emphasised that the budget delivered tax cuts, energy bill relief, and free TAFE, while also investing in clean energy and advanced manufacturing to create jobs. Coker noted that the government had achieved back-to-back budget surpluses and reduced gross debt compared to forecasts.

Joyce criticised the government's management of the national debt, which he stated had risen to $961.4 billion, and argued that cutting expenses and building prudent assets were necessary to repay it. Joyce called for rationalisation of the NDIS and investment in infrastructure such as dams, roads, and inland rail to boost economic productivity. Joyce argued that high energy prices were destroying heavy industries like plastics, steel, and aluminium, and warned that closing coal-fired power stations without reliable alternatives would harm the economy. Joyce also expressed disappointment that the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority was being moved back to Canberra from Armidale.

Urquhart supported the bills, highlighting increased funding for Tasmanian hospitals, including a new heart centre in Launceston, and the expansion of Medicare urgent care clinics in Devonport and Burnie. Urquhart noted that the government's cheaper medicines policy had saved patients in her electorate millions of dollars and that the Home Guarantee Scheme had helped over 560 first-home buyers in Braddon. Urquhart also mentioned investments in fee-free TAFE, student debt relief, and penalty rate protections for workers. Urquhart argued that the government was addressing long-standing neglect of rural and remote communities through these targeted investments.

Haines welcomed the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which she credited to her earlier policy proposals, noting it provided upfront discounts for battery installations and boosted energy security. Haines highlighted the program's success in her electorate and its potential to support virtual power plants and grid resilience. However, she criticised the government's process for funding election commitments, specifically citing projects in Macquarie and Macnamara, as lacking transparency and value-for-money assessments. Haines argued that taxpayer funds should be allocated through open, competitive grant processes rather than political expedience, which she described as pork-barrelling.

Clutterham defended election commitments as a way to connect with communities and address local needs, listing projects in Sturt such as upgrades to Linear Park, Foxfield Oval Hall, and Norwood Football Club facilities. Clutterham highlighted investments in multicultural community groups, including Nonna's Cucina and the Sicilia Social and Sports Club, to support heritage and social connection. Clutterham also noted the establishment of the Defence and Veterans' Services Commission and the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator, linking them to AUKUS and job creation in South Australia. Clutterham argued that the appropriation bills translated these commitments into real outcomes for everyday Australians.

Aldred focused on local community achievements, congratulating the Gippsland United basketball league and highlighting civics education visits to schools in her electorate. Aldred discussed the importance of aged care facilities and men's sheds, noting that the Labor government had cut funding to regional community leadership programs like the Gippsland Community Leadership Program. Aldred praised the dedication of staff in aged care and the role of volunteers in supporting local sports clubs. Her speech did not directly address the financial details of the appropriation bills but emphasised community resilience and local initiatives.