Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027, Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2026-2027, Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027; Second Reading

Opened the debate

Ayres moved that the bills be read a second time, seeking leave to incorporate his speech into the official record. Ayres detailed that Appropriation Bill 1 would allocate $178.7 billion for ordinary annual government services, including significant funding for health, disability support, and defence. Ayres explained that Appropriation Bill 2 would provide $33.7 billion for non-ordinary services, such as infrastructure projects and housing loans. Ayres also noted that the Parliamentary Departments Bill would allocate $345.4 million for parliamentary operations. Ayres commended all three bills to the chamber.

Government response

Ayres outlined the financial provisions of the three appropriation bills, highlighting specific allocations for key departments. Ayres stated that the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing would receive nearly $59.4 billion, while Defence would receive a combined total of approximately $59.5 billion across both bills. Ayres emphasised transparency measures for Advance to the Finance Minister provisions, including consultation requirements for large allocations. Ayres confirmed that full expenditure details were available in the explanatory memoranda and portfolio budget statements.