Ross Vasta (Bonner, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the motion moved by the member for Forde, and what a good motion it is—more good news for our economy and more jobs created under the coalition government's strong economic management. Since coming to government in 2013, we've created a million jobs and counting. Now, with the economic growth and jobs growth exceeding expectations, while this continues we can expect a lift in wages growth, in the words of the RBA governor.

Jobs and wage growth are my constituents' No. 1 concern. They ask: what are we doing to create more jobs? Those of them who are putting in the hours at work are still struggling to meet rising power prices and cost of living, so I'm pleased to tell them that, under the coalition, unemployment is at its lowest rate since 2012. Last year we created over 400,000 jobs. Three-quarters of these were full-time jobs. Compare that to the previous Labor government, they averaged less than 150,000 new jobs each year and when they left office unemployment was going up. They were losing full-time jobs.

In my electorate, the effects of our booming economy have been clear. I have to thank the member for Forde for one project that has been a great boost for local jobs and that is that he started the fight for funding to upgrade the M1. It was great to work with him and my Queensland colleagues to secure $1 billion for these vital upgrades. Not only will these upgrades reduce peak-hour congestion, getting people to work sooner and safer, they will also support up to 450 local jobs, a double win for our local economy.

Another job creating, congestion-busting project that's now underway in my electorate is the upgrade of the Green Camp Road corridor. I have enjoyed seeing construction start on this much needed project.

Then there is the $300 million Brisbane Metro project, which is now in the expression of interest phase. Another example of this great government's commitment to invest in vital infrastructure while creating local jobs.

There are many more small-scale projects in my electorate that this government has invested in that will provide a boost for the local economy and local employment. I'm seeing the benefits of this firsthand. I fully support this motion and this government's commitment to strong economic growth.

See this speech in context