Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027; Consideration in Detail

Teesdale argued that the government was investing across the entire education lifecycle, from early childhood to university. Teesdale highlighted the three-day childcare guarantee and a 15 per cent pay rise for educators as key reforms. Teesdale emphasised the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, which provides an additional $20 billion for public schools over ten years, and noted the 20 per cent cut to student debt benefiting thousands in her electorate.

Leeser criticised the government for failing to secure bilateral school funding agreements with Victoria and Western Australia, leaving Victorian schools underfunded compared to other states. Leeser argued that the budget created a funding cliff for non-government schools beyond 2029 and highlighted a $2.2 billion cut to research funding over the decade. Leeser questioned the government's commitment to parental choice and affordability in the non-government sector.

Witty supported the budget as a means to build a fairer education system, citing the cheaper childcare policy and the three-day guarantee. Witty noted that the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement would provide an extra $3.5 billion for Victorian public schools over ten years. Witty also highlighted the impact of the 20 per cent student debt cut and the Commonwealth prac payment for students in teaching, nursing, and social work.

Birrell argued that the budget offered only modest initiatives and increased regulation rather than real reform. Birrell stated that regional schools faced workforce shortages and classroom disruption without adequate support. Birrell criticised the lack of ambition in higher education policy, noting that universities were facing tighter margins and growing regulatory pressure without sufficient investment to drive productivity.

Moncrieff highlighted the establishment of university study hubs in suburban areas to improve access to tertiary education. Moncrieff praised the explicit direct instruction framework implemented at local schools and noted infrastructure upgrades funded in his electorate. Moncrieff reiterated the government's commitment to full and fair funding for public schools and the reduction of student debt for thousands of residents.

Bell argued that the government had failed to deliver on promises of cheaper childcare, with costs rising significantly since election. Bell claimed that expired fee caps and unfunded wage increases were leading to higher out-of-pocket costs for families. Bell criticised the government's management of the early childhood sector, stating that billions were flowing into a system that remained unaffordable and inaccessible in many regional areas.

Hill noted that opposition divisions had consumed the available time for debate on the education portfolio. Hill stated that the proposed expenditure for the education portfolio was agreed to.

Clutterham outlined the government's strategy of denial, highlighting investments in naval capabilities such as Ghost Bat, Ghost Shark, and AUKUS submarines. Clutterham noted a $3.5 billion down payment for enabling works at the Osborne Naval Shipyard and a $12 billion investment at Henderson in Western Australia. Clutterham emphasised the importance of these investments for national security and regional stability.

McCormack criticised the absence of defence ministers during the debate and raised concerns about a $5,000 cap on allied health services for veterans. McCormack argued that the government was ignoring veterans' needs and cutting staff from the Department of Veterans' Affairs. McCormack questioned the legitimacy of the consultation process regarding these changes and demanded answers on how the government would rectify these issues.

Mascarenhas highlighted the $12 billion investment in the Henderson defence precinct in Western Australia, which would support naval shipbuilding and create thousands of jobs. Mascarenhas noted the selection of Mogami class frigates and the progress of AUKUS-related upgrades at HMAS Stirling. Mascarenhas also mentioned the Nuclear-Powered Submarine Student Pathways program and apprenticeship opportunities for local workers.

Thompson criticised the government for not having defence ministers present to answer questions during consideration in detail. Thompson argued that the government was hollowing out defence capability by cutting projects such as infantry fighting vehicles and self-propelled howitzers. Thompson questioned the accuracy of defence spending figures and expressed concern about the reliance on private capital for key defence projects.

Burnell defended the government's defence spending, noting an increase of $30 billion over the forward estimates and $117 billion over the decade. Burnell highlighted the progress of AUKUS and the involvement of local South Australian companies in the supply chain. Burnell also emphasised the government's commitment to supporting veterans, including clearing the backlog of claims and implementing royal commission recommendations.

Penfold argued that defence spending remained around two per cent of GDP, which was insufficient given the deteriorating strategic environment. Penfold questioned whether the government was inflating spending figures by including veterans' support and superannuation. Penfold called for a commitment to raise expenditure to a minimum of three per cent of GDP and warned against prioritising AUKUS at the expense of immediate capability needs.

Swanson highlighted the significance of RAAF Base Williamtown and the deployment of E-7A Wedgetail aircraft. Swanson noted the government's investment in the Newcastle Airport defence and aerospace precinct for missile manufacturing. Swanson emphasised the substantial increases in defence funding and the importance of supporting defence personnel and their families.

Steggall opposed the partial divestment of HMAS Penguin, calling for transparency regarding the cost-benefit analysis and environmental assessments. Steggall argued that climate change was a core national security threat that was underfunded compared to military spending. Steggall also questioned the value for money and delivery risks associated with the AUKUS agreement.

Conroy summed up the defence debate, arguing that the government had significantly increased defence funding compared to the previous administration. Conroy highlighted increases in land, air, and maritime funding, as well as doubled funding for guided weapons and explosive ordnance. Conroy stated that the government was delivering on its commitments to defend the nation and grow the defence industry.

McIntosh criticised the government's proposed changes to the NDIS, citing documents that suggested 346,000 fewer participants by 2031. McIntosh argued that the government had failed to consult adequately with the disability community or state governments. McIntosh raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the source of savings and the impact on vulnerable people with disabilities.

Ryan highlighted the government's investment in women's health, including cheaper PBS prescriptions for contraceptives and endometriosis treatments. Ryan noted the creation of countrywide clinics for endometriosis and pelvic pain. Ryan also mentioned the expansion of Medicare urgent care clinics and the savings achieved through cheaper medicines policies in her electorate.

Webster criticised the government for lacking significant new measures for regional health equity. Webster argued that Medicare urgent care clinics were city-centric and did not address workforce shortages in regional areas. Webster questioned the allocation of public hospital funding to regions and highlighted the inadequacy of state-based travel reimbursement schemes for rural patients.

Teesdale highlighted the government's $3.7 billion investment in aged care, including specific projects in Bass such as memory support units at Respect Group and Calvary Sandhill. Teesdale emphasised the importance of dignity and safety for older Australians, noting that personal care services would be fully funded from 1 October. Teesdale also pointed to strengthened quality standards, increased care minutes, and pay rises for aged care workers as part of the broader reform agenda.

Smith shared a personal anecdote about medical costs to underscore the value of Medicare, praising the $8.5 billion investment in bulk-billing that had converted mixed-billing clinics to fully bulk-billing in his electorate. Smith argued that this investment restored pride in the medical community and ensured that lower-income families did not have to choose between healthcare and basic necessities. Smith also noted the benefit of freezing PBS costs at 2004 levels to assist those with chronic illnesses.

Scamps welcomed investments in public hospitals and cheaper medicines but argued that the budget missed an opportunity to invest in preventative health policies. Scamps cited data showing that every dollar spent on prevention yields significant savings, yet Australia spends only two per cent of its health budget on prevention. Scamps advocated for measures such as junk food advertising bans, sugar levies, and a gambling profits levy to fund public health initiatives and reduce chronic disease burdens.

Jordan-Baird celebrated the increase in Medicare bulk-billing practices in Gorton, noting that 75 per cent of clinics now offer free appointments. Jordan-Baird highlighted savings for families through capped PBS medicine costs and the introduction of new contraceptives and menopause treatments to the PBS. Jordan-Baird also mentioned the launch of the Medicare Mental Health Check In service and the opening of endometriosis clinics as key improvements in accessible healthcare.

Wallace criticised the removal of private health insurance concessions for people over 65, describing it as a breach of trust that would impose significant costs on older Australians on fixed incomes. Wallace argued that this change could lead to an exodus from private insurance, threatening the viability of small private hospitals in rural and regional areas. Wallace questioned the rationale for targeting this age group and highlighted community concern through a petition signed by over 6,000 people.

Holzberger defended the government's health policies, citing a $25 billion investment in public hospitals and the tripling of bulk-billing rates which doubled the number of bulk-billing clinics in Forde. Holzberger addressed the private health insurance concession issue by arguing that moving showers from independent living to clinical care would save money for retirees. Holzberger also highlighted progress in reducing aged care waiting lists and the necessity of tough decisions to fix the NDIS.