Sarah Henderson (Corangamite, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Treasurer. Will the Treasurer outline the steps the government is taking to build a strong economy that ensures more and better jobs for my constituents in Corangamite?

Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I really do thank the honourable member for Corangamite for that surprise question! As the member for Corangamite knows, we have rolled out our Economic Action Strategy and we have laid down a plan to help to build more jobs through stronger economic growth right across the Australian economy. We are seeing some positive signs in the Australian economy. Just today we saw a survey of almost 4,000 Australian employers by Hudson, the recruitment firm, that revealed hiring intentions are at an 18-month high. One in four employers are looking to increase their headcount in 2014. That is a good sign and follows on from the fact that under the coalition so far this year, on a monthly basis, the number of new jobs created in Australia is nearly six times higher than were being created under Labor last year. Under Labor last year, around 5,000 jobs per month were being created in Australia. Under the coalition this year, we are seeing nearly 30,000 jobs per month created. That is encouraging. Even after what was a rather extraordinary number last month, it is quite clear that this year jobs are being created in Australia at at least three times the rate they were being created under the former Minister for Workplace Relations. Who was that?

Mr Shorten interjecting—

It was you! You were the guy—5,000 jobs a month. It was 5,000 jobs a month under the Leader of the Opposition. It is 15,000 to 30,000 jobs a month under the coalition. We see that as great.

The way to do it is to roll out key infrastructure—and the coalition is absolutely determined to deliver the new east-west tunnel for the people of Corangamite, which will save 3½ hours every week for commuters from Geelong to the middle of Melbourne. That project will be delivered because this government, through its budget, is putting $3 billion into the East West Link. But there is a problem. Daniel Andrews, the Leader of the Labor Party in Victoria—

An honourable member: It is 'Dan'. He has a problem with 'Daniel'.

Dan Andrews? Oh my Lord! The man formerly known as Daniel Andrews is the Leader of the Opposition in Victoria. He said, 'Only Labor can stop the East West Link.' He wants to tear up the contract for the East West Link. But that seems a bit odd. It is at odds with the member for McMahon, who said:

Labor honours contracts entered into by previous governments, even if we don’t like them. For issues of sovereign risk, Labor honours contracts when in office

Who are the hypocrites?

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On a point of order, Madam Speaker: I ask the Treasurer to table the contract. There isn't one!