Mark Bishop (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. The Assistant Treasurer highlighted in his response the many ways in which the Rudd government has supported the Australian economy and supported jobs, including immediate and decisive stimulus, nation-building infrastructure and the biggest school modernisation program in Australian history. Can the Assistant Treasurer also inform the Senate, in light of these actions—plus a range of other steps, such as the Rudd government’s historic investment in road, rail, ports, hospitals and a national broadband network—whether the level of business confidence has been impacted and, if so, what does that mean for Australia? Also, is the Assistant Treasurer able to update the Senate on how small business confidence has responded to the comprehensive actions of the Rudd government to support small businesses across Australia through the $141 million small business tax break, to help small businesses invest in new capital, the establishment of the small business support line— (Time expired)