Zed Seselja (ACT, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation) Share this | Hansard source

I'd like to thank all senators who have contributed to the debate on the 2018-19 annual appropriation bills, as well the two top-up appropriation bills for the end of 2017-18. Briefly, in response to Senator Leyonhjelm's contribution, I would just make the point that the largest part of the top-up appropriations for 2017-18 is to pay New South Wales and Victoria for the acquisition of their shares in the Snowy Hydro scheme. Contrary to some of the suggestions that Senator Leyonhjelm was making, the acquisition of Snowy Hydro paves the way for Snowy 2.0 by streamlining shareholder approvals.

These appropriation bills seek authority from the parliament or the expenditure of money from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for annual expenditure of agencies. Key measures supported by these bills have been highlighted during their introduction and the detail of the bills has been explored in detail during the Senate estimates process. Particular highlights of the bills include investments in landmark national infrastructure. This includes equity investment for the delivery of Western Sydney Airport and Inland Rail, concessional loan funding for stage 2 of the WestConnex project and funding to secure full Commonwealth ownership of Snowy Hydro Limited to help support Australia's energy future.

Of particular interest to the parliament, funding has been provided in the appropriation bill for the parliamentary departments so that DPS can establish a cybersecurity operations centre for Parliament House. This will strengthen cybersecurity arrangements for the parliamentary computer network to enhance the protection of privileged information held by members and senators. The total of the appropriations sought through the three 2018-19 appropriation bills is just under $108.5 billion, and the final appropriations sought in the two 2017-18 bills is under $8 billion. Once again, I thank all senators for their contribution. I commend the bills to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bills read a second time.