✦ Plain-English Summary

Appropriation (No. 5) 2019-2020

What it does

This bill approves extra government spending on top of the main budget for the 2019-2020 financial year. It's basically Parliament giving the Finance Minister permission to spend more money from the national bank account when unexpected costs come up during the year.

Why it matters

Governments can't just spend money whenever they want — Parliament has to approve it first. This bill is how the government formally asks permission to access additional funds beyond what was originally budgeted, which is especially important during emergencies or when circumstances change mid-year.

Key details

• Comes into effect immediately once it receives Royal Assent (the Governor-General's signature), so the money can be spent right away
• Covers various government departments and agencies — the specific amounts and which services get funded are listed in Schedule 1 of the bill (not shown in full here)
• Includes a safety valve allowing the Finance Minister to access an advance if needed, rather than waiting for another bill to pass

Official Description

Introduced with the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Bill 2020, Coronavirus Economic Response Package Omnibus (Measures No. 2) Bill 2020 and Appropriation Bill (No. 6) 2019-2020 to respond to the economic impacts of the coronavirus, the bill appropriates money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the ordinary annual services of the government, in addition to the appropriations provided for by the Supply Act (No. 1) 2019-2020 , Appropriation Act (No. 1) 2019-2020 , Appropriation Act (No. 3) 2019-2020 and Appropriation (Coronavirus Economic Response Package) Act (No. 1) 2019-2020 .

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.