Download Fragment  Watch ParlView Video

Thursday, 18 February 2021
Page: 1199

Mr COULTON (Parkes—Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government) (09:41): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2020-2021, along with Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2020-2021, which was introduced earlier, are the additional estimates appropriation bills for this financial year.

This bill seeks approval for appropriations from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of approximately $141 million. These bills also ensure there is sufficient appropriation to cover estimates variations related to existing programs. Due to relative proximity of the 2020-21 budget appropriation bills, the bill is comparatively small compared with previous years.

I now outline the most significant items provided for in this bill.

The bill proposes $45.1 million to the Department of Home Affairs. Most of this amount, $31.5 million, will be provided to support the development of a secure digital platform for the collection and management of incoming passenger information.

Secondly, the bill proposes a further $21.6 million to Services Australia for IT systems to support additional costs for the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, delivery of the New Employment Services Model, and greater flexibility for families reporting income for childcare subsidy.

The bill also proposes $12.4 million be provided to support the Office of the Special Investigator investigate potential criminal matters identified in the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force's inquiry into the conduct of Australia's Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016.

Details of the proposed expenditure are set out in the schedule 1 to the bill and the portfolio additional Estimate statements tabled in the parliament.

I commend this bill.

Debate adjourned.