Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

the proposition that working is the best foundation for securing your chance and your opportunity in life.

This government understands that the great middle class of this country needs to be able to keep more of the earnings that they make. This government understands that we need to make sure that we continue to do everything we can to drive up wages. We've seen growth in wages as a direct consequence of this government's policy, because what we've injected into the heart of the economy is confidence. We have delivered security and predictability, and now tax cuts as well. We've seen that the wage price index grew by 2.1 per cent over the last year, a pick-up from the trough reached nine months ago. Key sectors are now experiencing strong growth—2.7 per cent in health care and social assistance; 2½ per cent in arts and recreation; 2.4 per cent in education and training and other services; seven per cent in rental, hiring and real estate services; and six per cent in ICT, media and telecommunications.

This government looked at the challenges that the great middle class of this nation faces—

Opposition members interjecting—

while those on the other side of this parliament yell and complain—and sought to realise their aspiration and opportunity in policy and law, and we're damn proud to be part of it.

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