Clare O'Neil (Hotham, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Home Affairs) | Hansard source

I thank the MPs who took the time to contribute to what is a really important debate. I want to thank the member for North Sydney, whose contribution I was glad to hear. I respect her perspective. She has obviously thought about this matter a great deal.

I commend the Passenger Movement Charge Amendment Bill 2024 to the House. It's an important part of the government's overall strategy for managing the security of our borders, an area where costs are growing year on year. The Passenger Movement Charge Amendment Bill 2024 will amend the Passenger Movement Charge Act 1978 to implement one of our government's budget measures—that is, increasing the passenger movement charge from $60 to $70, effective from 1 July. As I mentioned, this is one of several measures the government announced in the 2023-24 budget as part of our overall economic and fiscal strategy to make sure that we can continue to deliver services where costs are rising. Of course, it is very important to continue to deliver a strong budget, and you'll note that our Treasurer Jim Chalmers has been able to deliver a budget surplus for the first time in a very long time. The increase of $10 is broadly in line with inflation. Some of the other speakers have noted that it was 2017 when this charge was last increased, and that $10 increase that we're seeing on top of the $60 is broadly in line with inflation. The additional revenue generated from this increase will help advance Australia's economic interests and support the rising cost of services on our border. I'm pleased to support this bill before the parliament. I commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Ordered that this bill be reported to the House without amendment.

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