Michael Sukkar (Deakin, Liberal Party, Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

Appropriation (Coronavirus Response) Bill (No. 2) 2021-2022 along with Appropriation (Coronavirus Response) Bill (No. 1) 2021-2022 which was introduced earlier, seek authority from the parliament for additional appropriations to cover the cash flow requirements for coronavirus programs, to address pressures arising from the significant impacts of the COVID-19 variants before the additional estimates bills are passed into law.

This bill seeks approval for appropriations from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the Department of Health. This appropriation is necessary to support urgent purchases of personal protective equipment and rapid antigen tests as part of the National Medical Stockpile.

These measures are intended to mitigate the risks arising from recent rates of spread and to ensure appropriate supply for COVID-19 variants.

It is critical that both coronavirus appropriation bills be introduced and passed before the end of this week, to support delivery of the relevant programs at the necessary pace to achieve the intended health and social support outcomes.

I commend this bill.

Debate adjourned.

Leave granted for second reading debate to resume at later hour this day.

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