Steve Irons (Swan, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly, I'd like the congratulate the Treasurer, the Prime Minister and the Minister for Finance for delivering a budget for all Australians—a budget that delivers more jobs, guarantees essential services and, through disciplined fiscal management, ensures the government is living within its means. The coalition government has a plan for a stronger economy and jobs. It was great to hear the member for Calwell recently talking about the coalition's Stronger Communities Program. It's great when a Labor member stands up and talks about our programs that are delivering to communities all across Australia.

Our economy is in its 27th year of consecutive growth. Business conditions are at the highest level since the global financial crisis, and global growth is at its fastest pace in six years. Through this, jobs are being created, investment is rising and the budget is strengthening, enabling the government to guarantee services that Australians can rely on. Our careful approach to spending and our prudent measures to improve tax and welfare integrity have played a major role in assisting the budget's return to balance whilst investing in key projects across our nation.

I think a lot of people forget that the government is actually spending taxpayer dollars. The benefits of a job and income, a wage and reward for effort are all reliant on a strong economy. As such, it is our responsibility to ensure the government is living within its means. I'm very proud to say that, for the first time in a decade, the government is no longer borrowing to pay for everyday expenses.

Late last month the Prime Minister visited the great state of Western Australia to announce the coalition government's $2.3 billion infrastructure package—the largest single infrastructure investment we have seen, dedicating to keeping WA moving. The package is committed to busting congestion, improving safety for WA commuters and road users. It is beneficial to regional WA and people in the metro area like my constituents in Swan. This is on top of the $2.3 billion Boosting Jobs Busting Congestion package included in last year's budget, which included vital infrastructure such as the Manning Road on-ramp and the upgrades to the Roe Highway and Kalamunda Road intersection in my electorate.

Two key problem areas will be addressed by the new investment package. The first is the Welshpool Road and Leach Highway intersection upgrade. The $47 million invested in this project will ensure a dramatic reduction of congestion all the way to the airport. A further $144 million is being invested into the Roe Highway Great Eastern Highway bypass, a stretch of road that has become increasingly dangerous with heavy traffic. The intersection upgrade and the investment package as a whole will create thousands of jobs, stimulate economic growth and bust congestion, allowing commuters to get home more quickly and safely. The Treasurer and the coalition government have delivered a budget that is lower taxing, simpler and fairer. It is fiscally responsible and, importantly, rewards effort.

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