Josh Frydenberg (Kooyong, Liberal Party, Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Menzies for his question and acknowledge his three decades of distinguished service in this place, including as a minister for defence and in the national security space. Today marks a significant milestone in Australia's road to recovery, with Victoria reopening. After 77 days of delta lockdown, restrictions are easing in Victoria. This is the day millions of Victorians have been waiting for. Kids are getting back to school, businesses are reopening and families are being reunited. Victorians have done the right thing by going to get the jab in record numbers. Seventy per cent are fully vaccinated, with 80 per cent in sight, and 90 per cent per cent have had their first dose, which is higher than the United Kingdom. Today, we say thank you to the health workers of Victoria who have kept our community safe, thank you to the teachers who have helped support our students, thank you to the mums and dads who have supported their kids, and thank you to the small-business owners who have supported their staff. Today is Victoria's day, as we move to the next phase with the reopening of the great state of Victoria.

I was asked if I am aware of any alternative policies. We know that the Leader of the Opposition has come up with two big ideas in that role in the last few years. First, there was the national drivers licence, which was going to turbocharge our economy. Second, there was a $6 billion conversation starter to pay Australians who have already had the jab.

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