Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

Lowering the tax burden, putting more money into people's pockets, has been a central part of our plan to build a stronger economy where Australians have the best possible opportunity to get ahead. But lower taxes are only a part of our plan, of course. We have been pursuing an ambitious free trade agenda, helping our exporting businesses get better access to markets all around the world. When we came into government, only 26 per cent of our two-way trade was covered by free trade agreements. We've been able to lift that to 70 per cent of our two-way trade, and we're working to lift it further. My friend and colleague Simon Birmingham is working hard to lift that to 90 per cent of our two-way trade, helping our businesses sell more Australian products and services overseas, generating more jobs here in Australia and generating stronger economic growth here in Australia. Our ambitious deregulation agenda, our significant investment in infrastructure and our skills agenda—you name it—are all working to deliver a stronger, more resilient economy in the face of global economic headwinds and domestic challenges.