I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

The purpose of the Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2008-2009 is to provide funding for the operations of the three parliamentary departments.

The total appropriation sought through this bill is almost $171 million. Details of the proposed expenditure are set out in the schedule to the bill.

As I outlined in my introduction to Appropriation Bill (No. 2) we have prepared an explanatory memorandum for this bill to explain the clauses in the bill and, in particular, changes made compared to previous appropriation bills.

I commend the bill to the House.

Debate (on motion by Mr Hockey) adjourned.