I rise to inform the house that I will shortly be writing to my federal counterpart, as soon as the federal ministry is resolved, to ensure that Victoria gets its fair share of federal infrastructure funding and also to assure the new Prime Minister and his cabinet that Victoria is prepared to work with them in both the state and the nation’s interests.

Despite Victoria having 25 per cent of the nation’s population, we receive a measly 8.9 per cent of commonwealth infrastructure funding, and Victorians have suffered for it.

Victorians are sick of the games and the cheap politics of the federal government. The Prime Minister-designate, Malcolm Turnbull, says he wants to change that. He wants a more modern and a more dynamic Australia. He wants an innovative Australia that has a strong economy and creates jobs for the future.

That is exactly what this government is about doing — creating jobs, encouraging investment and building infrastructure that Victorians need, which is why Victoria is the economic engine room of the nation — after four years of inaction.

Victoria is the best performing economy in the nation this year. In fact, in 10 months we have created almost half the number of jobs compared to what those opposite did in four years. Business investment is up, consumer confidence is up, dwelling construction is up and retail trade is up. Essentially we are moving in the right direction.

There is more to be done and much more we can do. If Malcolm Turnbull wants economic leadership and if he wants to create jobs, then we are committed to working with him. We have the infrastructure projects ready to go: Melbourne Metro, the level crossing rail program, the Murray Basin rail project and smart road investments. We are ready to act in the nation’s interests.