Appropriation Bill (No. 5) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 6) 2025-2026; First Reading

Summary

The government is asking Parliament to approve extra spending on top of what was already approved earlier in the year, for decisions made after the mid-year budget update. This spending covers government services and programs across federal departments, state and local governments, and special government bodies. The appropriation amounts are listed in a schedule attached to the legislation, and the money comes from the Consolidated Revenue Fund (the government's main bank account). This matters because the Constitution requires Parliament to approve all government spending, and this process lets the government fund new or changed priorities — like disaster relief, policy changes, or urgent needs — without waiting for the next full budget cycle. Once passed, this will be added to the money already approved through the Supply Acts and earlier Appropriation Acts for 2025-26.

What happens at this stage

The bill is introduced to the chamber by its sponsor and given a formal title. No debate takes place. This step exists so all members are officially notified the bill is coming before any substantive discussion begins.

Next: Second Reading, where the chamber debates the bill's overall purpose and principles