Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I join previous speakers in congratulating Senator Alex White on becoming a senior counsel. I also congratulate Senator Ross on the publication of his book.

Like other Members, I question why the House did not sit yesterday and why more legislation is not being taken in this Chamber. As Senator O'Toole indicated, there is a great deal of legislation on the Order Paper. I introduced No. 13 on the Order Paper, the Climate Protection Bill, three years ago this week. This legislation deals with a critical issue facing the country. At the time, the Government promised to introduce its own legislation. I understand the Cabinet committee on climate change and energy security was due to sit at 2.30 p.m. today. According to the Twitter grapevine, however, that meeting has been postponed. Will the Leader and his deputy indicate why this is the case? I will call a vote on my Bill tomorrow if I do not receive a satisfactory answer today.

I wish to seek a debate not only on the economy and the budget but also and specifically on the alternative proposals for the economy that were put forward earlier today by the community and voluntary pillar and the Wheel, which comprises 17 different NGOs. We were provided with a very useful briefing by representatives of these organisations at a meeting held earlier in Buswells Hotel. Those to whom I refer put forward a five-point plan as to how they see an alternative budget - which would not make cutbacks that would impact on the poor and the vulnerable in the way the Government is proposing - shaping up.