Budget bills pass the House, still being contested in Estimates

The numbers have it

Final debates on the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026 (aph.gov.au) and the Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026 (aph.gov.au) saw the government use its majority to get them passed in the House yesterday. The Senate will continue to use Budget Estimates today to gather information ahead of its chamber debates on these bills in the next sitting period (starting 22 June).

The Minister for Home Affairs successfully passed a motion to establish the House Select Committee on Cyber Security for Small to Medium Sized Businesses and Organisations. The committee has been granted the power to release interim reports at any stage, and required to deliver its final report by 31 March 2027.

The House Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science advanced its Inquiry into the current state of the Australian tyre industry, and any challenges and opportunities for the industry within the context of a circular economy (aph.gov.au). A public hearing in Canberra evaluated regional supply chains, the heavy financial burden of illegal stockpiling on local councils, and the missing capital investments required to expand crumb-rubber recycling markets. The inquiry will next hold a public hearing in Brisbane on 12 June.

Today, the last day for this year's Budget Estimates, the committees will no doubt be busy with Senators squeezing in their last questions.

• Community Affairs will focus on disability services and carers, centering closely on the budget allocations and operational performance of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
• Economics will turn to outstanding Treasury questions, prioritizing tax administration, revenue tracking, and small business support programs.
• Education and Employment will focus on education, addressing university fee structures, research grants, and school infrastructure funding.
• Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will focus on foreign affairs and trade, examining official development assistance and diplomatic engagements amidst shifting global dynamics.

Beyond Estimates, two submission deadlines hit today:

• Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security's Review of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission reform package 2026 (aph.gov.au), assessing proposed legislation designed to structurally upgrade the ACIC's powers to counter advanced cyber syndicates and cross-border crime
• Senate Education and Employment References Committee's review of Australian university graduates (aph.gov.au), looking at rising student debt indexes, career transitions, and graduate underemployment in the current economy.

Monday is the public holiday for the King's Birthday; I will provide an out of session edition of Krafted for you looking at Budget Estimates and questions on notice (QONs), which have followed the post-COVID pattern of there being many.

Meanwhile, forward this to colleagues if you haven't already. Thank you!

— Mia