Wednesday, 13 May 2026

 The PRESIDENT (18:27): 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 2026/2027 and for other purposes.

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts) (18:27): I move:

That the bill be now read a first time.

Motion agreed to.

Read first time.

Jaclyn SYMES: I move, by leave:

That the second reading be taken forthwith.

Motion agreed to.

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts) (18:27): 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 2026–2027) Bill 2026.

In my opinion, the Appropriation (Parliament 2026–2027) Bill 2026, 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 2026–2027) Bill 2026 is to provide appropriation authority for payments from the Consolidated Fund to the Parliament and its agencies in respect of the 2026–2027 financial year.

Human Rights Issues

The Appropriation (Parliament 2026–2027) Bill 2026 does not raise any human rights issues.

As the Appropriation (Parliament 2026–2027) Bill 2026 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.

Conclusion

I consider that the Appropriation (Parliament 2026–2027) Bill 2026 is compatible with the Charter because it does not raise any human rights issues.

JACLYN SYMES MP

Treasurer

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts) (18:27): I lay on the table a statement of compatibility with the Statewide Treaty Act 2025:

In accordance with s 66 of the Statewide Treaty Act 2025, I table a statement of Treaty compatibility for the Appropriation (Parliament 2026–2027) Bill 2026.

In my opinion, the Bill is compatible with the objects set out in section 66(3)(d) of the Statewide Treaty Act ‍2025. I base my opinion on the reasons outlined in this statement.

Overview of the Bill

The Appropriation (Parliament 2026–2027) Bill 2026 will provide appropriation authority for payments from the Consolidated Fund to the Parliament and its agencies in respect of the 2026/2027 financial year.

Consultation with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Gellung Warl

Due to the recent establishment of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Gellung Warl, it was not possible to give the First Peoples’ Assembly the opportunity to advise on the Bill or for them to otherwise make representations about the effect of the Bill on First Peoples.

Compatibility of the Bill with each of the objects in section 66(3)(d) of the Statewide Treaty Act 2025

1.   I have considered whether the Appropriation (Parliament 2026–2027) Bill 2026 is compatible with the objects at section 66(3)(d) of the Statewide Treaty Act 2025 being:

1.1 advancing the inherent rights and self‑determination of First Peoples; and

1.2 addressing the unacceptable disadvantage inflicted on First Peoples by the historic wrongs and ongoing injustices of colonisation; and

1.3 ensuring the equal enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by First Peoples.

2.   The Appropriation (Parliament 2026–2027) Bill 2026 does not in its terms deal with First Peoples. As noted in the Overview, the purpose of the Bill is to provide an appropriation of funds to be used by the Parliament and its agencies. Decisions have been, and will be, made in respect to the use of such funds, however, these are separate from the effect of the Bills.

Conclusion

I consider the Bill does not affect any of the objects specified in section 66(3)(d) of the Statewide Treaty Act ‍2025 and is therefore compatible with each of those objects.

JACLYN SYMES MP

Treasurer

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts) (18:27): I move:

That the bill be now read a second time.

Ordered that second-reading speech be incorporated into Hansard:

The Appropriation (Parliament 2026–2027) Bill 2026 provides appropriation authority for payments from the Consolidated Fund to the Parliament and its agencies in respect of the 2026/2027 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 2025–2026) Act 2025 have been estimated and included in the Budget Papers. Before 30 June 2026, the actual unapplied appropriation will be finalised and the 2026/2027 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 2026–2027) Bill 2026 are made to the departments of the Parliament, and the independent officers of the Parliament.

The total appropriation authority sought in the Appropriation (Parliament 2026–2027) Bill 2026 is $313 713 000 for Parliament in respect of the 2026/2027 financial year.

I commend the Bill to the House.

 Richard WELCH (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (18:28): I move:

That debate be adjourned for one week.

Motion agreed to and debate adjourned for one week.