Mark Dreyfus (Isaacs, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I thank all those who have contributed to the debate on the Statute Stocktake Bill (No. 1) 2011 and, in particular, on the matter of the National Broadband Network, that having been raised by the member for Goldstein. I thank the member for Greenway for her excellent contribution on the announcement of the National Broadband Network deal today. It is, of course, a network that is going to confer lasting benefits on all of the people of Australia.

The Statute Stocktake Bill (No. 1) 2011 seeks to reduce red tape by amending legislation across a range of portfolios to repeal redundant special appropriations and a statutory special account. This is consistent with the government's response to the report Operation Sunlight: Overhauling Budgetary Transparency. The bill, if passed, would abolish 39 special appropriations, including a statutory special account, by repealing redundant provisions in 11 acts and repealing 25 acts in their entirety. This reflects the government's commitment to enhance transparency and accountability in the Commonwealth's financial framework.

Finally, I would like to particularly acknowledge the efforts of those officials, from across the Commonwealth, who assisted in preparing this bill. I commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

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