Gavin Pearce (Braddon, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

[by video link] I am pleased to report that Tasmania's economy continues to lead the nation. According to the latest CommSec State of the states report, for the seventh consecutive quarter our state is at the head of the pack. Tasmania tops the ranking on four of the report's economic indicators: construction, retail spending, relative unemployment and dwelling starts. It's great news for jobseekers also. Tasmania has the strongest job market, with unemployment 26.2 per cent below the decade average. This result is proof that the Morrison government's focus on supporting our economic recovery is working for Tasmanians.

On Saturday night, it was fantastic to join the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association national conference in Hobart. When speaking about our state's prosperity, I note that this is an industry that is literally driving Tasmania's economy forward. The fact is that nearly every sector of the economy relies on trucks to transport goods and, even though the last couple of years have been incredibly challenging, our trucking industry has risen to the challenge and kept supply chains open. So, next time you see a truckie on the road, give them a wave, give them plenty of space and be grateful for the big part that they play in moving us all forward. Our transport industry carry Tasmania, and I am proud of them.