Tony Pasin (Barker, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Nothing is surer than that COVID has been tough for everyone. While South Australians have weathered the storm well, we're certainly not immune from the economic impacts of this global pandemic. But I'm pleased to say that the budget paves the way for economic recovery. Our government has a track record of rebuilding economies and creating jobs. We've done it before; we'll have to do it again. Every measure announced in this budget points to job creation, whether it's our JobMaker hiring credit to support nearly half a million young Australians or our record investment in skills and training via tax incentives.

As the member for Barker I'm particularly keen to see the impacts that the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy will have on our food and beverage sector. Barker produces some of the highest quality agricultural products, and, by value-adding and processing here, we're creating jobs right across the supply chain.

I'm also very keen on homeownership, and this package takes that further. We'll see more Australians in their first home. We'll also see a continuation of HomeBuilder, which is not only putting tradies into work but also keeping timber workers in my electorate actively engaged. There are also direct investments in local Barker communities through the Building Better Regions Fund, and over $10 million going directly to councils.

While this budget is not what we were expecting to deliver 12 months ago, it's a budget for a difficult time, and I'm pleased that this budget delivers not only for the national economy but for my constituents— (Time expired)

See this speech in context