✦ Plain-English Summary

Appropriation (No. 4) 2019-2020

What it does

This bill authorizes the government to spend additional money from the national budget for various government services and programs during 2019-2020. It's essentially a mid-year spending top-up that allows departments and agencies to access extra funds beyond what was originally allocated.

Why it matters

Appropriation bills are how Parliament controls government spending — this one ensures money can actually be released to fund essential services. Without it passing, government agencies would be blocked from accessing these additional funds, potentially affecting service delivery.

Key details

• Comes into effect immediately upon receiving royal assent (the Governor-General's signature), so funds can be released right away
• Covers multiple types of spending: payments to states and territories, local government support, department operations, and corporate entities (like government-owned companies)
• Parliament retains oversight — Schedule 2 of the bill lists exactly what services and programs the money is for, so there's transparency about where the cash is going

Committee Referrals

Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights

No formal division recorded

This bill passed by voice vote — parliament agreed without calling a formal count. A division is only recorded when a member explicitly requests one.

No votes yet.

No votes were recorded for this bill.