Ken Wyatt (Hasluck, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is good to hear from you, Member for Adelaide, because at least you are contributing to the conversation for a change.

We are keeping parents' costs down and putting money in their pockets through our families package, which will be released in coming months. As a strong, stable government, we are delivering a small business company tax cut as part of our small business and jobs package. We are improving oversight of rules about foreign investment in our agricultural land and residential homes. Under the coalition government, Australia's retail trade numbers have risen month after month since mid-2014, to be up 4.1 per cent through the year. Building approvals are up 8.8 per cent on a year ago. Job ads, as measured by the ANZ Bank, are at their highest for more than two years. We are opening up new markets through free trade agreements with Korea, Japan and China.

Perhaps those opposite would like to hear again what this means to those who elected this government at the 2013 election. It means that a young person today has more chance of getting a job when they finish school or university. It is easier for that young person to upskill and to move into an even better job. It is easier for them to fill up their car with petrol and to stock their fridge with food. This government's stability has created an opportunity for a young person to save for a house or for their overseas holiday.

Mr Husic interjecting—

It will be easier for them to contemplate starting their own businesses, Member for Chifley. It will also be easier for them to attract foreign investment into that business. Their businesses will be able to employ and train others. They will be able to access financial advice that is sound and not advice that will lead to them going astray. Their parents should be able to afford aged care that is close to their home. Going to the doctor or to see a specialist will not be a hassle for them. Down the track, it will be easier for them to get affordable child care for their children. Their children will enter a world-class school system, a world-class higher education system and the cycle will begin again.

A strong government is important and this coalition government is focusing on what is needed for families. I cannot pretend it is all economic roses at this point. This time two years ago, our economy was in the shaky hands of some of those opposite, and we have not yet plucked out all of the policy weeds that still remain from the work, programs and initiatives that they put into place.

On this side, we respect the taxpayer. We do not take our stewardship of the public dollar lightly. Today we are committed to reviewing the social security system. This government will focus on families, focus on the economy and focus on a better future for all Australians, to ensure that they have the life they expect. (Time expired)

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