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.

The Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2019-2020, together with Appropriation Bill (No. 2) and the Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2019-2020 form the principal bills underpinning the government's budget. Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2019-2020 seeks approval for appropriations from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of approximately $58.5 billion. This represents seven-twelfths of the estimated 2019-20 annual appropriations, and new measures since the 2018-19 additional estimates process.

I will now outline the significant items provided for in this bill. First, the Department of Defence will receive almost $19.8 billion to protect and advance Australia's strategic interests through the provision of military capability, the promotion of security and stability, and the provision of support to the Australian community in accordance with government direction. Included in this amount is funding to support ongoing major defence operations, including operations Okra, Accordion, Highroad, Resolute and Manitou.

Second, the Department of Social Services will receive approximately $5.7 billion, including funding for: the Commonwealth's contribution to the Fourth Action Plan to prevent violence against women and their children; the expansion of the cashless debit card to tackle drug, alcohol and gambling misuse; and the establishment of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.

Third, the Department of Health will receive approximately $6.3 billion to continue to strengthen health services for all Australians. This will include funding for new medical research, including: administration of the Medical Research Future Fund; better mental health and drug and alcohol support services, including the expansion of the national headspace network; further support for improved access to quality aged-care residential and home-care services; and workforce priorities, improved access to medicines and implementing the Sport 2030 National Sport Plan.

Fourth, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will receive just under $3.2 billion to advance Australia's international, strategic, security and economic interests and to manage and distribute Australia's official development assistance.

Fifth, the Department of Human Services will receive just under $2.7 billion to support individuals, families and communities to achieve greater self-sufficiency and providers and business through convenient and efficient service delivery.

Sixth, the Department of Home Affairs will receive just over $2.2 billion, which includes funding for national security, the management of noncitizens within onshore and offshore detention, facilitation of people and goods across the border and the provision of refugee and humanitarian assistance.

Finally, the Australian Taxation Office will receive just over $2.1 billion to manage Australia's taxation and superannuation systems, including through helping people understand their rights and obligations, improving ease of compliance and access to benefits and managing noncompliance with the law.

In particular, the bill contains funding for the continuation of the Corporate Tax Avoidance Taskforce and the expansion of the Single Touch Payroll.

Details of the proposed expenditure are set out in the schedule to the bill and the portfolio budget statements tabled in the parliament.

I commend the bill to the House.

Debate adjourned.