✦ Plain-English Summary

Appropriation (No. 1) 2020-2021

What it does

This is the government's official permission to spend money from the national budget for the 2020-2021 financial year. It sets aside funds for government departments, agencies, and services to operate — everything from defence to welfare to healthcare. The bill also gives the Finance Minister flexibility to distribute additional money if needed during the year.

Why it matters

Without this bill, the government couldn't legally pay its employees, run its services, or deliver programs to Australians. It's essentially the formal authorization that turns the budget announcements into actual spending power.

Key details

• Comes into effect immediately — The bill takes effect as soon as it receives Royal Assent (the Governor-General's formal approval), so spending can begin right away
• Two types of funding — Money goes to departmental operations (like staffing and administration) and administered expenses (like welfare payments and grants the government oversees)
• Includes a safety valve — The Finance Minister gets an advance amount to cover urgent or unforeseen expenses without needing another bill passed

Committee Referrals

Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights; Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills

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.