Vince Connelly (Stirling, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

As we begin 2021, let's consider what we can and must do to adapt to and prosper in the wake of changes wrought by the pandemic. Our ability to navigate challenges and seize opportunities will be guided at least as much by individual attitudes as by government policy. Personally we must be resilient and bold. We must be flexible. We must manage risk but not be ruled by fear.

Our Morrison government response is reflecting these principles. Economic supports have been targeted and time-framed. Our Modern Manufacturing Strategy will build supply-chain resilience whilst targeting growth in priority areas. We must continue to support and encourage small and family businesses. We must continue to lower energy costs, so let's be open to exploring emerging technologies, like safer, small modular reactors for nuclear energy, and hydrogen. These can help firm energy production alongside renewables. We also need workplace rules that are fit for purpose in a changed world. As we recover and grow stronger at home, we must also continue to support the recovery and the sovereignty of our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific.

Whilst we live in different states and territories, whilst we are from different countries and different cultures, let us all combine, let us all collaborate, as we remember that we are all Australians and that we are all one.

See this speech in context