Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Over the last 12 months we've created 300,000 new jobs. Female participation is at the highest rate ever. Female participation in our workforce is at a record higher, and youth unemployment is at the lowest level in six years. Through strong economic management, we've now turned the corner on Labor's debt and deficit, and we will be returning to surplus next year. We have the lowest expenditure growth rate of any government in 50 years. That's why Australia is one of only 10 economies that has retained a AAA credit rating, as rated by all the major credit agencies.

I am asked if there are any risks from a different course. Yes, the course forecast by Labor is a threat to jobs, to our budget and to our strong economic management. Today the Australian Labor Party voted against corporate tax cuts, which means that Australia will now have the second-highest corporate tax rates across 36 OECD economies.

Ms Plibersek interjecting—

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