Mr PALLAS (Treasurer) — I rise to inform the house of several projects that will provide growth in employment and exciting new opportunities for my electorate of Werribee. The western distributor project will see local businesses play an essential role in providing for this vital second river crossing. Eighty‑nine per cent of materials to be used in the project will be sourced from local producers, which in turn will support employment and business in Melbourne’s western suburbs. The western distributor is estimated to create 5600 jobs during construction, and 10 per cent of hours worked on the project will be carried out by Victorian apprentices and trainees. This means more opportunities for employment close to home.

I was also pleased last week to officially open the new Pacific Werribee shopping centre. The centre will see large, international department stores and will create 2000 ongoing jobs for Wyndham locals. Shoppers from Werribee and all over Melbourne will help to support our thriving local economy. Additionally, my electorate is thrilled that the Andrews government is beginning the work to remove two level crossings in Werribee by opening consultation around that project, which will ultimately create more jobs in the electorate.

Finally, the $85 million redevelopment of the Werribee Mercy Hospital will provide much‑needed employment opportunities during construction and expand opportunities in the health sector. My local area is part of the work this government is doing to deliver employment growth to Victoria, with 112 000 full‑time jobs.