Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Appropriation Bill (No. 5) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 6) 2025-2026; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Monday 25 May 2026

Continued from Tuesday 12 May 2026.

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

At a glance

Tim Wilson opposed the bills, arguing the budget relied on deceit and broken promises regarding new taxes. He claimed the measures would harm small businesses, increase rents, and penalise young Australians saving for homes through higher capital gains tax. Daniel Mulino supported the bills, correcting the record on exemptions for vulnerable trusts and commending the legislation to the House. The bills were passed after the second reading.

Outcome

The bills were read a second time and agreed to.

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

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Tim Wilson (Goldstein) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Wilson argued the budget was built on deceit and broken election promises regarding new taxes. Wilson claimed the government's policies were causing record small-business insolvencies and rising costs for households. Wilson asserted that proposed tax changes would penalise young Australians saving for deposits and increase rents. Wilson criticised the government for mocking concerns about trusts for people with disabilities. Wilson concluded that the legislation would suffocate economic aspiration and urged voters to reject the government.

Government response

Daniel Mulino (Assistant Treasurer; Minister for Financial Services) ALP Fraser

Mulino corrected the record regarding the treatment of trusts for vulnerable people. Mulino stated that the budget explicitly exempted special discretionary trusts and arrangements for vulnerable children from the proposed changes. Mulino argued that Wilson's previous questions were based on a misunderstanding of the budget details. Mulino commended the appropriation bills to the House.