Second Reading Speech
Mr BURKE Watson - Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Minister for the Arts and Leader of the HouseI move:
That this bill be now read a second time.
This bill makes some technical amendments to chapter 2D of the Social Security Act which commenced in April 2022. Chapter 2D provides legislative authority for spending on grants and arrangements to help people obtain and maintain work, to address labour shortages, and for related purposes.
The explanatory memorandum for Social Security Legislation Amendment (Streamlined Participation Requirements and Other Measures) Bill 2022 stated, in relation to chapter 2D:
... all Chapter 2D does is provide statutory authority for expenditure ... All of the usual processes and requirements for the establishment and oversight of such programs will remain unchanged.
The technical amendments in this bill will ensure that this original intent is properly achieved and that chapter 2D operates effectively.
I commend this bill to the chamber.
Debate adjourned.