Professor Siobhán Mullally:

I am sure a number of my colleagues would like to respond to the Senator's question. The impact of budgetary measures on equality and human rights is an issue on which both bodies have been actively engaged to date. We would like to build on that work to ensure that budgetary measures do not disadvantage very vulnerable groups or impact upon them in a way that erodes their human rights and further perpetuates inequality. We will seek to be proactive in terms of highlighting potential and increasing inequalities and human rights concerns arising from budgetary measures. My colleagues, Ms Blake, Mr. Rose and Ms O'Farrell would also like to respond to the Senator's question.