Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

Over the din of negativity that always is presented by those opposite, let us have a look at the facts. Let us have a look at the economic facts. This economy is 11.2 per cent larger than when Labor came to office. The UK has contracted in the same period. Germany is 2.7 per cent larger and the US about 1.8, and Japan is marginally smaller. In other words, despite the relentless negativity and the talking down of the Australian economy by those opposite, the facts are that, when you compare this nation to the rest of the world and, in particular, other major advanced economies, the Australian people and the Australian economy have performed well.

We also remember that those opposite opposed the stimulus packages that the government put in place. Remember how many jobs those packages saved: 200,000 Australian jobs. There are 200,000 Australians and their families who those opposite would be happy to put on the economic scrap heap.

Honourable senators interjecting—

Absolutely shameful—I will take that. It is absolutely shameful that those opposite could say they are for Australian families. What they should go out and say is: 'Actually, our economic policy is to put 200,000 Australians out of work. That is the position we take as the opposition.'