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

The government's sound economic management is helping to deliver a very strong economy. During the global financial crisis the government's No. 1 priority was to support growth and support jobs, and today the Australian economy is nearly 10 per cent bigger than it was before the GFC. This is quite remarkable—it is now 10 per cent bigger than it was prior to the global financial crisis. A bigger economy means more jobs for Australians. As we know, the unemployment rate is lower at 5.1 per cent with nearly 40,000 jobs added in May alone and 800,000 since Labor came to office.

We know that the key to the prosperity of Australia and its people is the creation of jobs and providing good quality jobs for Australians who want to work. The Australian economy is doing that. This government's stewardship is ensuring that Australians get the opportunity to work and support their families.