SUPPLY BILL 2012

Second Reading

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (15:31): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

The government will introduce the 2012-13 budget on 31 May 2012. A Supply Bill will be necessary for the first three months of the 2012-13 financial year until the budget has passed through the parliamentary stages and the Appropriation Bill receives assent. In the absence of special arrangements in the form of the supply acts, there would be no parliamentary authority for expenditure between the commencement of the new financial year and the date on which assent is given to the main Appropriation Bill. The amount being sought under this bill is $3.161 billion. I seek leave to have the explanation of clauses inserted in Hansard without my reading it.

Leave granted.

Clause 1 is formal.

Clause 2 provides relevant definitions.

Clause 3 provides for the appropriation of up to $3.161 billion.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. D.W. Ridgway.