What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill provides $345.4 million for the parliament's own departments in 2026-27, including about $274 million for the Department of Parliamentary Services, which runs Parliament House. It was debated together with the main budget bills, so speakers talked about the whole 2026-27 budget rather than this bill itself. Most of the debate was about the budget's changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax and family trusts, plus tax cuts, health and housing.
Arguments made in support
Government members said limiting negative gearing to new builds and changing capital gains tax will help about 75,000 more people buy their first home.
Labor speakers said the budget gives workers more tax cuts, including a $250 offset and a $1,000 instant deduction, worth up to about $2,800 a year.
Government members pointed to permanent funding for Medicare urgent care clinics, cheaper medicines and $25 billion more for public hospitals.
Supporters said fuel reserves, a domestic gas reserve and $2 billion for housing infrastructure make Australia more resilient to global shocks.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Coalition speakers said the Prime Minister broke repeated promises not to change negative gearing or capital gains tax and has no mandate for it.
Coalition and crossbench members said the capital gains, trust and negative gearing changes hurt small businesses, farmers, retirees and young people saving through shares.
Opponents criticised a $5,000 yearly cap on veterans' allied health, lower private health rebates for over-65s, and cuts to Inland Rail and regional programs.
The Greens and some independents moved amendments calling for a 25 per cent tax on gas exports; the Greens also sought to reverse NDIS cuts.
Independents Rebekha Sharkie and Zali Steggall asked the government to take the tax changes to an election or release more modelling first.
87 speeches by 63 members in the House and Senate over 8 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 12 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 25 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 26 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 27 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 28 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 4 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 22 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 29 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.