Tuesday, 14 May 2024

 The PRESIDENT (20:07): I have another message from the Assembly:

The Legislative Assembly presents for the agreement of the Legislative Council ‘A Bill for an Act for the appropriation of certain sums out of the Consolidated Fund for the Parliament in respect of the financial year 2024/2025 and for other purposes’.

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Housing, Minister for Water, Minister for Equality) (20:07): I move:

That the bill be now read a first time.

Motion agreed to.

Read first time.

Harriet SHING: I move, by leave:

That the bill be read a second time forthwith.

Motion agreed to.

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Housing, Minister for Water, Minister for Equality) (20:08): 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 2024–2025) Bill 2024.

In my opinion, the Appropriation (Parliament 2024–2025) Bill 2024, 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 of Bill

The purpose of the Appropriation (Parliament 2024–2025) Bill 2024 is to provide appropriation authority for payments from the Consolidated Fund to the Parliament in respect of the 2024–2025 financial year.

Human Rights Issues

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

The Appropriation (Parliament 2024–2025) Bill 2024 does not raise any human rights issues.

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

As the Appropriation (Parliament 2024–2025) Bill 2024 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 2024–2025) Bill 2024 is compatible with the Charter Act because it does not raise any human rights issues.

Hon Jaclyn Symes MP

Attorney-General

Minister for Emergency Services

 Harriet SHING (Eastern Victoria – Minister for Housing, Minister for Water, Minister for Equality) (20:08): I move:

That the bill be now read second time.

Ordered that second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard:

The Appropriation (Parliament 2024–2025) Bill 2024 provides appropriation authority for payments from the Consolidated Fund to the Parliament in respect of the 2024/2025 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 2023–2024) Act 2023 have been estimated and included in the Budget Papers. Before 30 June 2024, the actual unapplied appropriation will be finalised and the 2024/2025 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 2024–2025) Bill 2024 are made to the departments of the Parliament.

The total appropriation authority sought in this Appropriation (Parliament 2024–2025) Bill 2024 is $285, 008, 000 (clause 3) for Parliament in respect of the 2024/2025 financial year.

I commend the Bill to the House.

 Georgie CROZIER (Southern Metropolitan) (20:08): I move on behalf of my colleague Mr Mulholland:

That debate on this bill be adjourned for one week.

Motion agreed to and debate adjourned for one week.