MR PALLAS (Werribee—Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (14:12): Figures released this week show that consumer and business confidence is roaring back in Victoria. This confidence reflects the community’s understanding that Victoria is getting the virus under control, thanks to the good work of each and every Victorian, who have made their contributions, who have been inconvenienced and often have endured enormous hardship but nonetheless have endured. Our economy is now in a position to open up safely and steadily as we head towards the path of COVID normal. Before coronavirus of course Victoria was the engine room of this nation, and we will resume that position. We are on our way back and we are making the effort and investment to ensure that that occurs. Data released this week shows that the Victorian business confidence index is now 11, more than double the national figure, and Victorian consumer confidence has risen to 107, also above the national average.

Make no mistake, the upswing in confidence in our economy is a direct result of the incredible work that Victorians have done to control the coronavirus crisis. We know from the evidence around the world that making the effort to deal with the virus is not only the best way to save lives but is the best way to put ourselves in a position for a sustained economic recovery. There were alternative plans that were being shopped by the opposition to open up the state too early. These plans would have cost Victorians their success against the virus and the corresponding business and consumer confidence that we now enjoy. The upcoming budget will make the necessary investments to give Victorian businesses, families and workers the confidence they need to support our economic recovery.