David Bradbury (Lindsay, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Treasurer ) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Appropriation Bill (No.2) 2013-2014, together with Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2013-2014, is a principal bill underpinning the government's budget.

This bill proposes appropriations for agencies to:

The bill seeks approval for appropriations from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of just over $4.8 billion. I will now outline six of the more significant amounts.

First, the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy would, will receive approximately $1.3 billion to contribute equity to NBN Co Limited to allow the continuation of the rollout of the National Broadband Network.

Second, AusAID, the Australian Agency for International Development, will receive approximately $604 million. The majority of this amount is to provide for Australia's contribution towards the 17th replenishment of the International Development Association, which is part of the World Bank. Australia's contribution will allow the International Development Association to provide loans and grants for programs that enhance economic growth, reduce inequalities, and improve living conditions in low-income countries.

Third, the Department of Defence will receive an equity injection of approximately $683 million to enable the purchase of military equipment and the construction of support facilities, as announced in the 2013 Defence White Paper.

Fourth, the bill will provide the Department of Infrastructure and Transport with approximately $383 million for the Roads to Recovery program under which funds are distributed to local councils, and state and territory governments responsible for local roads in areas where there are no councils.

Fifth, the Department of Finance and Deregulation will receive an equity injection of approximately $318 million. This relates mainly to three matters:

Sixth, the government will provide the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry with $210 million for the provision of concessional loans under the Farm Finance initiative. The loans are for viable agricultural businesses for the purpose of productivity enhancements and debt financing.

All the appropriations in Appropriation Bill (No.2) 2013-2014 are other than for the ordinary annual services of the government.

Debate adjourned.

Leave granted for the resumption of debate to be made an order of the day for the next sitting.