Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2015-2016

Thursday, 04 February 2016

Mr HAWKE (Mitchell—Assistant Minister to the Treasurer) (09:06): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

Today, the government introduces the additional estimates appropriation bills. These bills are:

Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2015-2016; and

Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2015-2016.

These bills underpin the government's expenditure decisions.

Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2015-2016 seeks approval for additional appropriations from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of just over $1.3 billion.

I now outline the significant items that are sought in this bill.

First, the bill will provide the Department of Immigration and Border Protection with just over $447 million, this reflects additional funding for enhancing the management of the onshore immigration detention network; further support for refugee resettlement arrangements; and additional support for the accommodation and processing of asylum seekers.

Second, the bill would provide the Social Services portfolio just over $277 million. The Department of Social Services would receive just over $102 million primarily to provide support services to resettle an additional 12,000 refugees who are fleeing the conflict in Syria and Iraq. The bill would also provide the National Disability Insurance Agency with just over $108 million for the transition to the full National Disability Insurance Scheme, as agreed with New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. The Department of Human Services would also receive just over $11 million for Addressing Welfare Reliance in Remote Communities, which will provide increased incentives for job seekers to work and to strengthen the mutual obligation framework in Community Development Program regions.

Third, the bill would provide the Department of Defence with just over $186 million, largely reflecting supplementation for foreign exchange movements and the net effect of the reallocation of funds between operating and capital costs.

Details of the proposed expenditure are set out in the schedule to the bill and the portfolio additional estimates statements tabled in the parliament.

I commend this appropriation bill to the House.