Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026; Consideration in Detail

Smith supported the bill, highlighting the Targeting Entrenched Disadvantage package and the Social Enterprise Development Initiative. Smith cited Nansen Digital Forensics as an example of an organisation receiving grants to support women experiencing domestic violence through digital safety services. Smith argued that supporting local community organisations is essential for achieving sustainable social change.

Thompson raised concerns about the procurement of disability employment services, alleging that contracts were awarded to corporations with political ties rather than smaller merit-based providers. Thompson also criticised the government for cutting $1.5 million in funding for the Salvation Army's Sallyman program, which supports defence personnel and veterans. Thompson called for transparency in contract awards and the restoration of funding for veteran support services.

Cook detailed the government's $4 billion investment in addressing gender-based violence, including the permanent Leaving Violence Program and paid domestic violence leave. Cook highlighted reforms to the special circumstances debt waiver to protect victims of coercive control from Centrelink debts. Cook also mentioned investments in legal assistance, emergency accommodation, and prevention campaigns like Consent Can't Wait.

Webster criticised the abrupt cessation of funding for emergency food relief organisations in her electorate, including the Horsham Christian Emergency Food Centre and Stawell Interchurch Council. Webster argued that these cuts devastated vulnerable rural communities who rely on local services and have limited transport options. Webster noted that despite claims of increased food relief funding, local charities received little notice before their grants were cut.

Miller-Frost defended the expansion of paid parental leave, noting it will increase to 26 weeks with superannuation contributions included. Miller-Frost argued this reform supports gender equality by recognising caregiving and helping to close the retirement gender gap. Miller-Frost emphasised that the changes benefit around 180,000 families annually and provide greater flexibility for parents to share care responsibilities.

Ambihaipahar highlighted the Leaving Violence Program and the special circumstances debt waiver as key measures supporting victims of domestic violence. Ambihaipahar provided an example of a woman who incurred a debt due to her partner's secret work, explaining how the new waiver provisions would allow Services Australia to consider coercion and abuse. Ambihaipahar argued these reforms prevent the social security system from being weaponised against survivors.

Kearney refuted opposition claims about long-term JobSeeker reliance, stating the proportion of recipients on payments for over two years had decreased since Labor took office. Kearney defended the procurement process for disability employment services as independent and arm's length. Kearney also reiterated the government's investments in paid parental leave, social security increases, and gender-based violence prevention.

McIntosh criticised the government for failing to deliver on promises regarding Medicare and bulk-billing, citing a drop in bulk-billing rates and record high out-of-pocket costs. McIntosh argued that Australians are increasingly relying on credit cards to see doctors. McIntosh also urged the government to deliver on bipartisan commitments for women's health initiatives, including menopause care and endometriosis funding, and to address genetic discrimination in life insurance.

Reid promoted the urgent care network as a solution for patients who are too sick for a GP but not sick enough for an emergency department. Reid explained that these centres reduce pressure on emergency departments and allow for earlier treatment of conditions like sepsis and heart attacks. Reid argued that this model improves access to primary care and supports preventive health measures.

Caldwell reiterated claims that the Prime Minister misled the public about bulk-billing, noting that out-of-pocket costs have risen significantly. Caldwell cited departmental data suggesting a quarter of GP clinics do not bulk-bill. Caldwell demanded an apology for the high costs faced by families and questioned whether the government stood by its promise that only a Medicare card would be needed to see a doctor.

Freelander defended the government's health record, highlighting the introduction of 60-day prescribing and funding for new medications like dupilumab for eczema. Freelander argued that the coalition had previously cut health funding and misunderstood the value of healthcare improvements. Freelander also praised the urgent care centres and investments in genomic treatments for childhood diseases and cancer.

Boyce highlighted workforce shortages in regional areas, noting that residents often travel long distances for specialist care, costing local economies. Boyce cited a constituent's difficulty in securing aged care services and criticised the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme for inadequate support. Boyce argued that the government's policies have failed to address the specific needs of rural and regional Australians.

Cook, a former nurse, highlighted the government's investment in the health workforce, including additional training places for doctors and nurses. Cook praised initiatives like the HELP for Rural Doctors and Nurse Practitioners, which wipe student debt for those working in regional areas. Cook also noted the expansion of urgent care clinics and the increase in registered doctors as evidence of a recovering health system.

Penfold shared a distressing case study of a family struggling with the NDIS after their son's funding was cut. Penfold described hostile interactions with NDIS case managers and the lengthy legal battle required to secure adequate care. Penfold called for a full investigation into the NDIS's handling of the case and criticised the system for replacing care with apathy and hostility.

Clutterham highlighted the government's investments in women's health, including listing new contraceptives and fertility drugs on the PBS. Clutterham discussed the expansion of endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics to reduce wait times for diagnosis and treatment. Clutterham argued that addressing women's health is both a health and economic imperative, supporting productivity and community wellbeing.

Scamps questioned the government's commitment to preventive health, noting that only two per cent of the health budget is currently allocated to prevention. Scamps highlighted the rising burden of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes, which contribute significantly to hospitalisations and healthcare costs. Scamps urged the government to implement recommendations from the diabetes inquiry, including sugar levies and marketing regulations.

Briskey detailed the government's $1 billion investment in mental health services, including new Medicare mental health centres and youth specialist care centres. Briskey highlighted the creation of training places for mental health professionals and the expansion of headspace services. Briskey argued that these reforms address structural issues in the mental health system and reduce stigma.

McCormack raised concerns about NDIS travel cuts and the lack of foundational supports for children with autism. McCormack cited a constituent's struggle to find aged care for her husband with dementia, questioning the government's support for seniors in regional areas. McCormack also disputed claims that Medicare cards alone provide sufficient access to services in country areas.

Ng praised the Australian Public Service for its role in delivering government policies and improving service outcomes. Ng cited data showing significant reductions in processing times for Medicare, Centrelink, and veterans' claims, attributing these improvements to increased staffing levels. Ng contrasted this with the previous government's staff caps, which he argued led to backlogs and inefficiencies.

Rebello criticised the government for cancelling Senate estimates hearings on Indigenous matters, arguing this reduced transparency and accountability. Rebello claimed that funding for Central Australia had not improved safety or outcomes, citing issues with alcohol restrictions and compliance with the Indigenous Procurement Policy. Rebello also pointed to worsening statistics in the Closing the Gap report, particularly regarding incarceration and suicide rates.

Cook defended the Office for Women's work in embedding gender-responsive budgeting across the public service. Cook highlighted investments in women's safety, legal assistance, and paid family and domestic violence leave. Cook also noted improvements in women's economic outcomes, including cheaper childcare and increased participation in male-dominated trades through free TAFE programs.

Aldred argued that the government had failed to deliver for regional communities and small businesses in her electorate. Aldred cited high taxes on workers and regulatory burdens on volunteers as evidence of poor economic management. Aldred also raised concerns about sentencing for child sex offenders, suggesting the government had not made Australians safer.

Scrymgour emphasised the need for a whole-of-government approach to Indigenous policy, rejecting the idea that it should be siloed. Scrymgour highlighted the success of the Low Cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme in reducing living costs for remote communities. Scrymgour also praised the Remote Jobs and Economic Development program and the significant investment in housing and homelands in the Northern Territory.