Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Thursday 5 February 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate concerned the second reading of the Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026, which sought approval for $3.5 billion in appropriations from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. The legislation allocated funds primarily to the Department of Defence, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the Department of the Treasury. Daniel Mulino moved the motion for the bill to be read a second time, outlining the specific allocations for defence capabilities, water recovery, and social housing. No other members spoke, and the debate was adjourned without a recorded vote in the transcript.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Daniel Mulino (Fraser) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Mulino moved that the bill be read a second time, seeking approval for $3.5 billion in appropriations for the 2025-26 financial year. The member indicated that over $2 billion would support the Department of Defence, including $1.5 billion brought forward to deliver capabilities prioritised in the 2024 National Defence Strategy and the 2024 Defence Integrated Investment Program. Mulino stated that $411 million would fund the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to facilitate voluntary water purchases for Murray-Darling Basin Plan recovery targets. The member also noted that over $325 million would provide loans to Housing Australia for social and affordable housing projects under the Housing Australia Future Fund. Mulino commended the bill to the chamber, directing members to the schedule and explanatory memorandum for full expenditure details.