We cannot whistle past the graveyard any longer on the issue of the economy. There is urgent need for an economic debate in the House. This request was turned down in the other House last week. I support Senator Ryan and urge the Leader, who has stamped out her own independence at times, to invite the Minister for Finance to the House to explain how the huge predicted budget surplus has dwindled to such an extent that it is now considered fortunate if we get away with a slender surplus.