Background
The culmination of the Budget process involves an annual appropriation by an act of Parliament of the money needed for Government expenditure in the coming financial year.
In accordance with the NSW Constitution and the Westminster parliamentary system of representative government, this particular legislation must originate in the Legislative Assembly. Its passage ensures Parliamentary authorisation of the amount of money to be drawn from the Consolidated Fund and the specific purposes for which the funds are to be used.
The Budget
On Tuesday 17 November 2020, the Treasurer, the Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP, will introduce the Appropriation Bill and various cognate bills, and deliver his 'Budget Speech'.
Once the speech has concluded the debate will be adjourned by Ms Jodi McKay MP, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, until Thursday 19 November 2020. At the conclusion of the Treasurer's second reading speech, the budget papers will be released.
Debate
On Thursday 19 November 2020, Ms Jodi McKay MP, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly will give her speech during the second reading debate on the Appropriation Bill and cognate bills.
After the debate concludes and the Bills have passed all stages in the Assembly they are forwarded to the Legislative Council for consideration. The Treasurer will then move that the House take note of the Budget Estimates and related papers for 2020-21.
Take Note Debate
All Members will then have the opportunity to speak in the subsequent debate on the budget papers. The scope of the debate may include issues about how the budget might affect a Member's electorate.
Budget Estimates
Once the Budget Estimates and related papers have been tabled by the Treasurer they are referred to the seven Legislative Council Portfolio Committees for inquiry and report. The Budget Estimates process involves the questioning of Ministers and public servants.
The Budget Papers
The following quick links to our tabled papers database provide you with access to the 2020-2021 budget papers.
Budget Statement 2020-21 (Budget Paper No. 1)
Outcomes Statement 2020-21 (Budget Paper No. 2)
Infratructure Statement 2020-21 (Budget Paper No. 3)
Agency Financial Statements 2020-21 (Budget Paper No. 4)
Report on the State Finances 2019-20
