Wednesday, 31 May 2023

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, Minister for Environment) (17:47): I lay on the table a statement of compatibility with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006:

In accordance with section 28 of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) (Charter Act), I make this statement of compatibility with respect to the Appropriation (Parliament 2023–2024) Bill 2023.

In my opinion, the Appropriation (Parliament 2023–2024) Bill 2023, as introduced to the Legislative Council, is compatible with the human rights protected by the Charter Act. I base my opinion on the reasons outlined in this statement.

Overview

The purpose of the Appropriation (Parliament 2023–2024) Bill 2023 is to provide appropriation authority for payments from the Consolidated Fund to the Parliament in respect of the 2023–2024 financial year.

Human Rights Issues

1.   Human rights protected by the Charter Act that are relevant to the Bill

The Appropriation (Parliament 2023–2024) Bill 2023 does not raise any human rights issues.

2.   Consideration of reasonable limitations – section 7(2)

As the Appropriation (Parliament 2023–2024) Bill 2023 does not raise any human rights issues, it does not limit any human rights, and therefore it is not necessary to consider section 7(2) of the Charter Act.

Conclusion

I consider that the Appropriation (Parliament 2023–2024) Bill 2023 is compatible with the Charter Act because it does not raise any human rights issues.

The Hon. Jaclyn Symes

Attorney-General

Minister for Emergency Services

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, Minister for Environment) (17:47): I move:

That the bill be now read a second time.

Ordered that second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard:

The Appropriation (Parliament 2023–2024) Bill 2023 provides appropriation authority for payments from the Consolidated Fund to the Parliament in respect of the 2023/2024 financial year, including ongoing liabilities incurred by the Parliament such as employee entitlements that may be realised in the future.

Honourable Members will be aware that other funds are appropriated for parliamentary purposes by way of special appropriations contained in other legislation. In addition, unapplied appropriations under the Appropriation (Parliament 2022–2023) Act 2022 have been estimated and included in the Budget Papers. Before 30 June 2023, the actual unapplied appropriation will be finalised and the 2023/2024 appropriations will be adjusted by the approved carryover amounts under section 32 of the Financial Management Act 1994 (Vic).

In line with the wishes of the Presiding Officers, appropriations in the Appropriation (Parliament 2023–2024) Bill 2023 are made to the departments of the Parliament.

The total appropriation authority sought in this Appropriation (Parliament 2023–2024) Bill 2023 is $277 752 000 (clause 3) for Parliament in respect of the 2023/2024 financial year.

I commend the Bill to the House.

 Georgie CROZIER (Southern Metropolitan) (17:47): I move, on behalf of my colleague Dr Bach:

That debate on this bill be adjourned for one week.

Motion agreed to and debate adjourned for one week.