MINISTERS STATEMENTS: EMPLOYMENT
Mr PALLAS (Treasurer) — I rise to update the house on the continuing success of the Andrews Labor government in delivering jobs for the Victorian community. Figures released last week by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that over 184 000 jobs have been created by this government since it took office. Speaker, 93 000 of those are full‑time jobs, which is five times more than those opposite created in four slow, lazy years.
We are the only state that is growing above trend and accelerating, with economic growth now at 3.3 per cent for 2015–16. Let me put that into context: the Victorian economy is now growing four times faster than when those opposite were last in government. The Andrews government is ensuring that Victoria’s prosperity becomes Liberal‑proof, and we are doing that by banning fracking and protecting the reputation and value of our food and fibre sector.
The member for Murray Plains has taken recently to writing scathing opinion pieces. It is a pity that his contributions in public life really only amount to setting up the Office of Living Better than Victorians. In contrast, in the 2016–17 budget and with the lease of the port, we are delivering over $3 billion of investment into the regions. The Nationals of course are the Sony Walkmans of the coalition — there are still a few of them kicking around, but nobody is listening to them. The Andrews Labor government is delivering for all Victorians, whether they be farmers, teachers or nurses. We are getting it done.