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 approves the government's main day-to-day spending for 2026-27 and carries the federal budget. The Treasurer said the budget responds to an oil shock from war in the Middle East with a $14.8 billion fuel security plan, new tax relief for workers, savings mainly from the NDIS, and changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax. The debate was wide-ranging, with most attention on those tax changes, housing, spending and inflation, the NDIS, defence and fuel.
Arguments made in support
The Government said the budget helps Australians through a global oil shock with fuel reserves, more fertiliser, and a new $250 tax offset for 13.3 million workers.
Labor members said limiting negative gearing to new builds and changing capital gains tax would give first home buyers a fairer chance against investors.
Government speakers pointed to $25 billion more for public hospitals, permanent urgent care clinics, cheaper medicines and more bulk-billing.
The Government said record savings and low spending growth strengthen the budget, and NDIS changes would keep the scheme sustainable.
Labor members said defence funding rises by $53 billion over a decade, alongside more money for aged care, schools and employment services.
Arguments made against, or for changes
The Coalition said the capital gains, negative gearing and trust changes break election promises and will hurt investment, small business and farm succession.
Coalition speakers cited budget papers saying the tax changes mean 35,000 fewer homes, and said high spending is keeping inflation and interest rates up.
Coalition members raised concerns about NDIS eligibility cuts, a cap on veterans' allied health, cuts to drought and research funding, and lower private health rebates for over-65s.
Independents called for tighter spending, more transparency on off-budget items, and more funding for prevention, nature and foreign aid.
The Greens criticised the budget for not taxing gas exports and moved an amendment for a 25 per cent tax on gas export revenue.
143 speeches by 87 members in the House over 5 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 12 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 14 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 2 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 3 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 4 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Second and third reading votes. How each party's members voted:
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.