Wednesday, 28 May 2025

 The PRESIDENT (18:18): I have received the following message from the Legislative 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 2025–2026 and for other purposes.’

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (18:18): I move:

That the bill be now read a first time.

Motion agreed to.

Read first time.

Gayle TIERNEY: I move, by leave:

That the second reading be taken forthwith.

Motion agreed to.

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (18:19): 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 (Charter), I make this statement of compatibility with respect to the Appropriation (Parliament 2025–2026) Bill 2025.

In my opinion, the Appropriation (Parliament 2025–2026) Bill 2025, as introduced to the Legislative Council, is compatible with the human rights protected by the Charter. I base my opinion on the reasons outlined in this statement.

Overview of Bill

The purpose of the Appropriation (Parliament 2025–2026) Bill 2025 is to provide appropriation authority for payments from the Consolidated Fund to the Parliament and its agencies in respect of the 2025–2026 financial year.

Human Rights Issues

The Appropriation (Parliament 2025–2026) Bill 2025 does not raise any human rights issues.

As the Appropriation (Parliament 2025–2026) Bill 2025 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 2025–2026) Bill 2025 is compatible with the Charter because it does not raise any human rights issues.

Hon Jaclyn Symes MP

Treasurer

Minister for Industrial Relations

Minister for Regional Development

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Water) (18:19): I move:

That the bill be now read a second time.

Ordered that second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard:

The Appropriation (Parliament 2025–2026) Bill 2025 provides appropriation authority for payments from the Consolidated Fund to the Parliament and its agencies in respect of the 2025/2026 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 2024–2025) Act 2024 have been estimated and included in the Budget Papers. Before 30 June 2025, the actual unapplied appropriation will be finalised and the 2025/2026 appropriations will be adjusted by the approved carryover amounts under section 32 of the Financial Management Act 1994.

In line with the wishes of the Presiding Officers, appropriations in the Appropriation (Parliament 2025–2026) Bill 2025 are made to the departments of the Parliament, and the independent officers of the Parliament.

The total appropriation authority sought in the Appropriation (Parliament 2025–2026) Bill 2025 is $297 204 000 for Parliament in respect of the 2025/2026 financial year.

I commend the Bill to the House.

 David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (18:19): I move:

That debate on this bill be adjourned for one week.

Motion agreed to and debate adjourned for one week.