Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026, Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026; Second Reading

Birrell reflected on regional opportunities, praising previous coalition investments in regional education and infrastructure such as the La Trobe University campus and the Echuca-Moama bridge. Birrell criticised the current government's management of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and the lack of funding for regional infrastructure projects like Kirwans Bridge. Birrell also expressed concern about energy policies potentially moving emissions offshore and highlighted the importance of social cohesion in multicultural communities.

Coffey argued that the appropriation bills supported essential investments in civics education, media literacy, and democratic participation. Coffey highlighted programs such as the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate, the National Youth Parliament, and the Work Exposure in Government program for Indigenous students. Coffey also noted the importance of the Parliament in Schools program and local initiatives like Squiz Kids in fostering informed citizenship among young Australians.

Conaghan criticised the government's fiscal management, citing a projected $1.2 trillion in debt and high interest costs. Conaghan highlighted unfunded or defunded projects in Cowper, including a veterans centre, road upgrades on Waterfall Way and Wrights Road, and childcare facilities. Conaghan also raised concerns about the allocation of telecommunications towers, stating that all towers in a recent funding round went to Labor seats, and praised the Minister for Health for reversing a decision on private health insurance for eye injections.

Jordan-Baird supported the bills, outlining government achievements in reducing inflation and delivering cost-of-living relief through student debt cuts and healthcare reforms. Jordan-Baird highlighted local infrastructure projects in Gorton, including upgrades to the Western Freeway and Calder Freeway, as well as community facilities and childcare centres. Jordan-Baird also emphasised the success of the five per cent deposit scheme and investments in women's health and paid parental leave.

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Venning argued that the government was the highest spending administration in four decades outside of the pandemic, leading to record debt and inflation. Venning claimed that public spending growth was outpacing economic growth, forcing the Reserve Bank of Australia to raise interest rates to 3.85 per cent. Venning highlighted that debt had reached $1.2 trillion, equating to over $100,000 per worker in South Australia when combined with state debt. Venning contended that this fiscal approach was eroding living standards and increasing costs for households across various sectors.