Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Bushby is right to make a connection between dwelling commencements and the viability of the forestry sector. The number of dwelling commencements is an important indicator for wood product consumption. Dwelling commencements in 2013-14 increased by 11.4 per cent. Victoria, might I add, under the stewardship of Premier Denis Napthine and the coalition government, recorded the largest number of annual dwelling commencements in Australia over the past five years. That is what happens with good government, like Victoria is experiencing at the moment. You see the number of dwelling approvals increase, which then boosts employment in the forestry sector. The great Australian dream of home ownership is still alive in Victoria because of the policies of Senator Colbeck and Premier Napthine. (Time expired)