The Bill is being introduced in the currency of a sharp short economic downturn in the global economy, with an immediate impact on this small open economy. In light of the spectacular successes we have enjoyed over the past five years in our improved living standards and phenomenal growth in the delivery of public services, irrespective of current concerns about progressing the rate of increase in the development of our infrastructure, the real challenge for the Minister and the Government is to steer the economy safely in a sound financial direction by way of consolidation. The overall approach manifested in the Bill, and preceded by the budget, is a responsible and balanced response to current economic conditions.