Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Edwards for that supplementary. The main benefit is that it actually helps us build a stronger, more prosperous economy where everyone can get ahead. In order to ensure that happens, we have had to make difficult but necessary decisions. The truth is that since September last year we have been able to make significant progress. We certainly have much further to go, but confidence is actually returning. If you look at what is happening in the marketplace, confidence is returning and we are looking forward to a good Christmas. I know it does not suit the Labor Party, but the truth is that across the community people are understanding that we found a set of difficult challenges, we had to make some difficult decisions in the national interest, we are progressing implementation of those difficult decisions and it will help us build a stronger, more prosperous economy over the years ahead.