Mr PALLAS (Treasurer) (11:32:23) — I rise to update the house on the strength of the Victorian economy. Recent state accounts data shows that in the 2016–17 financial year Victoria had the highest gross state product growth of all the states, well above anything achieved under the previous government, which watched Victoria go backwards. Today’s growth means one simple thing: jobs — 266 000 since this government took office and almost three times more than those opposite managed in four slow years.

Every job, every project this government delivers reminds those opposite of four years of sloth and indolence. Our jobs growth is the highest it has been in more than a quarter of a century, but it does not happen on its own. Our approach is simple: invest in Victorians, invest in local jobs, create opportunities and, importantly, do what you say you will do, get on with it — and no dodgy side letters along the way.

We have helped thousands of Victorians purchase their first home, we are upgrading and opening schools right cross Victoria and we are doing all this despite the efforts of those opposite. They opposed Back to Work —

The SPEAKER — The member for Malvern is warned.

Mr PALLAS — They opposed our tax cuts, and now they are resorting to stunts to stop crucial pieces of housing and public transport projects get underway. It is shameful behaviour — the Liberals forming a teal coalition with the Greens, restricting development in public transport —

Mr Pesutto — On a point of order, Speaker, the Treasurer is accusing us of stunts over major projects. We have people from the member for Ivanhoe’s electorate in the gallery today and you call them stunts. They are just stunts to you.

The SPEAKER — Order! The member for Hawthorn will resume his seat. The Treasurer to continue with his ministers statement.

Mr PALLAS — Thank you, Speaker. On this side of the house we are investing in the infrastructure and services that Victorians need, and our infrastructure investment is almost double, at $9.6 billion, of those opposite. The always crabby Leader of the Opposition quipped recently that we should take the politics out of infrastructure. Well, we know he is good at dining on lobster but he has been floundering as a leader.

Honourable members interjecting.

The SPEAKER — I would ask the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, from his position of leadership in this place, to set a better example.