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

I thank Senator Johnston for that very important question. Everything this government does is about building a strong and prosperous economy, one that is growing jobs and strengthening communities. Australia is now one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Since the coalition was elected, 336,000 jobs have been created in Australia. The job creation rate is more than four times the rate seen in the last year of Labor in 2013. But there is more work to be done. That is why the government are setting about cutting red tape. That is why we have introduced the $20,000 small-business tax write-off. It is why the government are investing more than $50 billion in infrastructure, creating jobs during the construction phase and helping to enhance jobs and productivity for Australia's long-term prosperity.

It is why the government is negotiating free trade agreements. A recent report estimates that the China, Japan and Korea trade deals will create thousands of jobs.