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

I thank Senator McEwen for her question—and hope her cold gets better! The global recession, the slowdown in China and the unwinding of the mining boom has serious consequences, as we all know, for Australian growth, jobs and our budget bottom line. In the midst of this global recession it would be irresponsible for the federal government, or any government, not to act swiftly and decisively to support jobs and invest in our nation building. The government’s two major stimulus packages provide comprehensive support for low- and middle-income earners. In times like these, the only certainty is that things would be worse if we did not act.

Approximately 95 per cent of all adult Australians who earn less than $100,000 per annum have received at least one cash payment between the Economic Security Strategy and the Nation Building and Jobs Plan. The payments under the second plan will begin flowing today and they will support local businesses in every community around the country over the coming months. This investment will support jobs and those businesses continuing. The Access Economics retail forecast quarterly report released today says, ‘These measures will lift the spending power of households throughout 2009, providing important support for retailers against the tide of rising unemployment and consumer caution.’ That is dead right. This package finds the best balance between supporting jobs now and building the homes, schools and roads that we need for future growth. While we get a stimulus out of these payments, three-quarters of this package is directed towards building things that will last, the schools and other infrastructure that will continue to deliver for their communities for many years to come. These packages will help ensure prosperity and jobs in very difficult times. (Time expired)