Senator CORMANN (Western Australia—Minister for Finance) (13:26): I move: That these bills may proceed without formalities, may be taken together and be now read a first time. Question agreed to. Bills read a first time Senator CORMANN: by leave—I move: That the provisions of paragraphs (5) to (8) of standing order 111 not apply to the bills, allowing them to be considered during this period of sittings. I table a statement of reasons justifying the need for these bills to be considered during these sittings and seek leave to have the statement incorporated into Hansard. Leave granted. The statement read as follows— STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR INTRODUCTION AND PASSAGE IN THE 2014 WINTER SITTINGS PUBLIC GOVERNANCE, PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY (CONSEQUENTIAL AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS) BILL APPROPRIATION (NO. 1) (PUBLIC GOVERNANCE, PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT CONSEQUENTIAL MODIFICATIONS) BILL APPROPRIATION (NO. 2) (PUBLIC GOVERNANCE, PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT CONSEQUENTIAL MODIFICATIONS) BILL APPROPRIATION (PARLIAMENTARY DEPARTMENTS) (PUBLIC GOVERNANCE, PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT CONSEQUENTIAL MODIFICATIONS) BILL Purpose of the Bills The purpose of the bills is to make necessary legislative changes to enable legislation of Commonwealth entities to align with the introduction of the provisions of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act) and ensure continuing valid access to, and use of, public resources. The bills will: amend more than 250 Acts and related regulations involving matters covered by the provisions of the PGPA Act; repeal the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 and the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997 and their related regulations; and make related transitional and savings provisions. Reasons for Urgency The introduction and passage of the bills in the Winter sittings is integral to the provisions of the PGPA Act coming into effect on 1 July 2014. Passage of the bills prior to 30 June 2014 provides certainty in relation to the specific financial legislation that governs the actions of Commonwealth entities and ensures that they have legal authority to continue to undertake activities and make payments on behalf of the Commonwealth beyond that date. Question agreed to.