Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

that the government is transforming the Australian economy to one that will be driven by technology and by innovation, building the prosperity and the security of the 21st century. We have established now four massive free trade agreements. The Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Robb, who spoke earlier today so well, has succeeded in putting those building blocks in place. Right around Australia, we are seeing an economy that had been perceived as being largely dominated by the mining-construction boom. Because of the diversity of the economy—because of its resilience, because of the opportunities this government is providing to Australian businesses and individuals right around the country—we are seeing confidence up, unemployment coming down and participation going up. We are seeing signs of strong growth.

And so I say to the honourable member, who always wants to cast everything in a bleak light—and obviously gets his questions from one of the more sarcastic newspaper columns—there are plenty of challenges, but the biggest news today is the resilience of the Australian economy and the leadership the government is giving, and the proof is to be found in jobs and investment right across Australia.

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