Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I'm not sure that Senator Farrell heard my previous quote of governor Phil Lowe, who said:

The strong employment growth over the past year or so has led to a pick-up in wages growth in the private sector …

I do think it is important to quote the Governor of the Reserve Bank accurately.

What I won't also take, Mr President, is a lecture from those opposite on the economy, because we know that as a result of our economic plan, as a result of our budget management, we're going to be able to return the budget to balance and into surplus for the first time in 11 years. Those opposite would not be familiar with that concept. I understand that. But we also are very, very cognisant of the fact that there are significant headwinds, that the economies the world over are facing challenges. We are being prudent and careful in our management of the economy, led by the Treasurer and led by the finance minister, and Australians are looking forward with the opportunities that are ahead—including job creation, which is, of course, a key fundamental of our economic plan and our record.