Jill Hall (Shortland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Returning to the context of my speech, I would have to say that I feel the Australian parliament and the Australian people would be much better served if the opposition were to actually offer some positive solutions to unemployment rather than focusing on their own employment within this parliament.

I think one of the main aspects of the last stimulus package, and a very important aspect of the last stimulus package that will benefit small business, is the Building the Education Revolution component of that package. Not only does that package benefit each and every school within this great nation of ours but it also benefits small business. Every school will become a mini construction zone. It will provide employment for a countless number of tradespeople and trades assistants. It is a recognition that for jobs to be created you need to stimulate the economy.

With the stimulus package at the end of last year, Australia’s retail figures held up where comparable countries actually experienced a severe and serious decline in their retail sales. Also included in the latest stimulus package is the commitment that will see Australians being able to access insulation for their homes. That will create work for small business—businesses manufacturing insulation as well as businesses manufacturing solar hot water systems, which is another component of the stimulus package. It will also create employment for people installing those items.

As the member for Makin said, the assistance that is available for families within this package will, once again, transfer to and benefit small business. The Rudd government has shown how governments can support small business. It is acting decisively and showing that it has real concern for Australian’s jobs. It is focusing on getting Australia through this financial crisis; it is not focusing on maintaining its members’ own jobs within this parliament. The Rudd government is focused on the big picture. It is focused on Australia and the future, while the opposition is focused on its own internal problems.

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