Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026, Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026; First Reading

Summary

The Senate is being asked to approve extra spending for Parliament's two administrative departments — the House of Representatives and Parliamentary Services — to pay for decisions made by the government since the main 2025-26 budget was passed. This adds to money already allocated through the Supply Acts and Appropriation Acts earlier in the year. The spending must be split into separate legislation under the Australian Constitution: this measure covers Parliament's own departments, while two companion bills cover regular government services and other spending. Once passed, this will unlock the extra funds needed to operate Parliament for the rest of the 2025-26 financial year based on decisions made after the initial budget planning.

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