MR PALLAS (Werribee—Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for the Coordination of Treasury and Finance: COVID-19) (13:24): There is an intrinsic link between the health of one’s people and the health of the economy. The mounting evidence around the world is that jurisdictions that control the virus are also the ones that suffer the least shock to their economy and recover faster. The economic dividend of controlling the coronavirus is clear: less economic damage, a faster recovery and more jobs on the upswing.

Speaker, you may well ask whether there were alternative approaches considered. Not by this government, can I assure you. We follow the advice of experts, but of course the member for Malvern has had no plan but to criticise and to weaken our collective resolve. Despite that criticism we continue to maintain the course—not deviate from the path—prescribed by the experts in health, science and economics. We did not abandon Victorian businesses recklessly to chase a surplus. We did not open up too early and invite more waves of this pandemic coming over and over again. We got on with the job. We brought case numbers down and we provided $13 billion worth of assistance to business. Unfortunately for Mr Fifteen Per Cent over there, he is no John Howard. In fact there is no triple bypass coming his way—

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! I ask the Treasurer just to pause for a moment. I need less shouting across the chamber to be able to hear the Treasurer’s contribution. I also warn the Treasurer to refer to members by their correct titles.

Mr PALLAS: The member for Malvern is no Lazarus with a triple bypass. In fact he is more the Tin Man or the Tin Ear Man, of course ably assisted by the member for Kew and the member for Gembrook, making up that feckless trio of the befuddled Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion. The best way, the fastest way, the surest way to restore Victorian jobs and to grow Victorian businesses is to control this virus.