Appendix 2
Proposed consolidated resolution on ordinary
annual services of the government
(additions to the resolution of 17
February 1977 shown thus)
The Senate
resolves:
(1) To reaffirm its
constitutional right to amend proposed laws appropriating revenue or moneys for
expenditure on all matters not involving the ordinary annual services of the government.
(2) That
appropriations for expenditure on:
(a) the construction of public works and buildings;
(b) the acquisition of sites and buildings;
(c) items of plant and
equipment which are clearly definable as capital expenditure (but not
including the acquisition of computers or the fitting out of buildings)[1];
(d) grants to the states under section 96 of the
Constitution;
(e) new policies not previously authorised by special
legislation;
(f) items regarded as equity injections and
loans; and
(g) existing asset replacement (which is to be
regarded as depreciation),[2]
are not appropriations for the ordinary annual services of
the government and that proposed laws for the appropriation of revenue or
moneys for expenditure on the said matters shall be presented to the Senate in
a separate appropriation bill subject to amendment by the Senate.
(3) That,
in respect of payments to international organisations:
(a) the initial payment in
effect represents a new policy decision and therefore should be in
Appropriation Bill (No. 2), and
(b) subsequent payments
represent a continuing government activity of supporting the international
organisation and therefore represent an ordinary annual service and should be
in Appropriation Bill (No. 1).[3]
(4) That all appropriation
items for continuing activities for which appropriations have been made in the
past be regarded as part of ordinary annual services.[4]
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