Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The jobless rate in regional Australia at present is 3.8 per cent, a remarkable statistic. There are vacancies in the regions—figures given to me today by the Regional Australia Institute—of 70,000. A total of 700,000 jobs across the nation were saved by JobKeeper. It's effectiveness and timeliness is best demonstrated throughout regional Australia. Country towns have so many bespoke and unique small businesses providing goods and services to our rural and remote communities. When they needed support, this government had their back.

One such recipient of federal funding, through JobKeeper and the Stronger Communities Program round 6, is the Parkes Services squash and sports centre. It's run by Jay and Judy Kross and offers more than just a sporting opportunity for locals and visitors. At the weekend, 40 junior squash players participated in the western region silver event on the refurbished courts. The Kross's 11-year-old son, Henry, who is No. 1 in Australia for 13s, took part. This was a good and sound investment. Regions matter. The $18,000 has revitalised the facility and given squash a new lease of life in Parkes. As Judy said: 'JobKeeper saved our butts. Quite frankly, we would have been in big trouble without it.' Her words echo those of small-business people right across the nation.