Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The government’s plans include a $28 billion investment in infrastructure—investment in schools, housing, local roads. This investment will benefit communities for the long term but will also provide jobs now. It will employ Australians who are under threat from the global financial crisis. So we are investing in the future—investing in infrastructure, investing in our schools and our roads—and we are providing jobs. But the opposition say: ‘Don’t do that. Don’t invest in Australia. Don’t invest in jobs. We’re going to do everything we can to stop you providing that support to the Australian economy.’ Every P&C in Australia should tune in to the opposition saying: ‘Don’t build them a new hall. Don’t replace classrooms that are in need of reconstruction. Don’t help Australian communities. Don’t help Australian families.’ The opposition is so out of touch with Australians. I urge them to change their minds.