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

Buchholz thanked the previous speaker and mentioned he had recently attended a wedding in Newcastle, describing it as a beautiful destination.

Cook supported the bills, focusing on health expenditure and cost-of-living relief. Cook highlighted the restoration of bulk-billing rates to over 81 per cent and the capping of PBS scripts at $25. Cook also detailed a $573 million package for women's health, including new contraceptives on the PBS and endometriosis clinics, as well as a $32 million investment in men's health. Cook noted the expansion of Medicare urgent care clinics, including a new one in Mundaring, and investments in mental health clinics and early childhood education.

Gosling argued that the bills represented efficient investment in Australia's future, particularly in defence and health. Gosling highlighted $3.2 billion for the National Defence Strategy, including $176 million for Ocius Bluebottle uncrewed vessels and $310 million for AUKUS long-lead items. Gosling also mentioned investments in the MQ-28A Ghost Bat and local missile production. On health, he cited record hospital funding for the Northern Territory, the opening of a medical school at Charles Darwin University, and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which has helped nearly 700 residents in Darwin.

Moncrieff focused on infrastructure and healthcare in southern Sydney. Moncrieff detailed the $188 million upgrade to Heathcote Road and the $190 million investment in the M5 upgrade between Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway. Moncrieff also highlighted education investments, including a university study hub in Macquarie Fields and a new University of Wollongong campus in Liverpool. Moncrieff emphasised the restoration of bulk-billing and PBS cost caps, as well as housing measures like the Housing Australia Future Fund. Additionally, he noted the government's investment in a new nuclear medicine manufacturing facility at ANSTO in Lucas Heights.

Repacholi argued that the bills reflected responsible economic management and fair priorities. Repacholi highlighted the improvement in the budget position and the restoration of bulk-billing, noting that 27 practices in the Hunter were now fully bulk-billing. Repacholi detailed a $32 million men's health package supporting men's sheds and prostate cancer screening, alongside record funding for women's health. Repacholi also emphasised the permanence of fee-free TAFE and support for apprentices in housing construction, as well as measures to limit foreign purchases of existing homes.

Ng focused on local infrastructure and community investments in Menzies. Ng highlighted a $3.5 million upgrade for the Bulleen Templestowe Basketball Club and a $3.925 million synthetic pitch for Box Hill United soccer club. Ng also noted funding for the Warrandyte arts and mechanics institute and a $25 million commitment for the Warrandyte five-ways intersection. Ng discussed the upcoming Box Hill Medicare mental health hub and support for local Chinese New Year festivals. Ng reiterated national achievements in bulk-billing and PBS cost reductions.

Steggall argued that Australia's budget was too exposed to fossil fuel shocks and that gas exporters should pay more through reforms to the petroleum resource rent tax. Steggall proposed lowering the cap on deductions from 90 per cent to 80 per cent and introducing a 25 per cent LNG export tax. Steggall criticised the government's consideration of a road user charge on electric vehicles, arguing it would undermine energy security and climate goals. Steggall advocated for stronger EV incentives and a fairer road user charge structure that targets high-emitting vehicles.

lead

Gregg supported the bills, citing local projects in Deakin including the Croydon Primary School gym, Main Street Revitalisation, and community wellbeing precincts funded by millions of dollars. Gregg highlighted health reforms such as reduced PBS co-payments, an $8.5 billion Medicare investment for bulk-billing clinics, and a $25 billion hospitals deal. On housing, he noted the construction of over 570,000 homes and the uptake of the five per cent deposit scheme by nearly 900 residents in his electorate. Gregg also praised job creation, enterprise bargaining reforms, and superannuation changes including the Low Income Super Tax Offset increase and payday super reforms.