Northern Territory Second Reading Speeches
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SUPPLY BILL 2005-2006
(This an uncorrected proof of the daily report. It is made available under the condition that it is recognised as such.)
Information :
Bill presented and read a first time.____________________
Suspension of Standing Orders
Pass all Stages
Mr STIRLING (Treasurer): Madam Speaker, I move that so much of standing Orders be suspended as would prevent the Supply Bill 2005-06 (Serial 1) passing through all stages at this sitting.
Motion agreed to.___________________
Mr STIRLING (Treasurer): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time. The Supply Bill is required to be passed prior to 1 July 2005 as appropriation provided under the Appropriation Act 2004-05 lapses on 30 June 2005.
The 2005-06 Supply Bill will provide agencies with appropriation from 1 July 2005 until the Appropriation Act 2005-06 is passed following Estimate Committee proceedings next week.
The use of a Supply Bill is not unusual as it has been required in each year that the Territory has introduced a budget after the commencement of the new financial year. Some members may recall that this was the standard practice in all Australian parliaments until a decade ago.
A Supply Bill provides agencies with sufficient funds to ensure the continuation of capital works programs, grant programs and normal services of government. It ensures that the machinery of government does not come to a halt pending the outcome of the passage of the Appropriation Bill.
The 2005-06 Supply Bill provides for one-twelfth, or one month, of the appropriations set out in Appropriation Act 2005-06 which I tabled with 2005-06 Budget Papers on 3 May 2005. One month of appropriation equals $202.867m. This Supply Bill will ensure sufficient funds are available for normal government business to continue until the Appropriation Act 2005-06 is passed subsequent to review by the Estimates Committee. Madam Speaker, I heartily commend this bill to honourable members.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Madam Speaker, in similar spirit, it is not the intention of opposition to obstruct the passage of this very important legislation. Contained behind this message from the Administrator is the necessity to provide confidence to the public sector to continue their fine work. I understand that this legislation does not increase the total allocation within appropriation, but merely provides the mechanism whereby supply could flow into the new financial year while we conduct our business of Estimates.
For that reason, and out of respect for the ongoing programs and work of the public sector, it is the express position of the opposition to support this very important legislation.
Mr STIRLING (Treasurer): Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Blain and the opposition for their support of what is, in fact, critical legislation that will enable the ongoing business of government to continue until the Budget is passed, expected to pass next Thursday evening. As I said, I thank the member for his support and we expect this bill to proceed through.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Mr STIRLING (Treasurer)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
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