Alex Hawke (Mitchell, Liberal Party, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2018-2019, along with Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2018-2019, which was introduced earlier, andAppropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2018-2019 are the additional estimates appropriation bills for this financial year.

This bill seeks approval for appropriations from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of approximately $752.9 million. These bills also ensure there is sufficient appropriation to cover estimates variations related to existing programs.

I now outline the significant items provided for in this bill.

First, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will receive $82 million, mainly for critical enhancements to the security infrastructure of Australia's overseas diplomatic network.

Second, this bill will provide the Department of Human Services with just over $40.6 million to bring forward investment in capital infrastructure from tranche four of the Welfare Payment Infrastructure Transformation program, which is progressively replacing Centrelink's ageing technology platform.

Third, the Department of Home Affairs will receive approximately $28 million, mainly for the design and initial procurement of next generation visa processing systems.

Details of the proposed expenditure are set out in the schedule 1 to the bill and the portfolio additional estimates statements tabled in the parliament. I commend this bill to the House.

Debate adjourned.