E&OE...
Listen to this Speech (MP3 - 1.34Mb - 87secs)
Good morning,
Providing jobs for as many people as possible is one of the most important challenges for any government; and governments should be judged on their capacity to create the right economic environment for job creation.
Yesterday's unemployment rate - a 33 year low at 4.2 per cent - is hard evidence that my government is doing just that.
2.2 million jobs have been created since 1996 and more than 430,000 people have found work since our workplace reforms were introduced last year.
There are more Australians working than ever before and their wages after inflation are also rising. Working families and individuals are enjoying the stability and confidence that comes with employment.
It's good news, but more can be done. My goal is for Australia to become a full employment economy where anyone who wants a job and is able to work, has a meaningful career.
When last in government, the Labor Party had a shameful record on unemployment that included one million Australians out of work.
The Coalition has a plan to maintain Australia's prosperity, keep producing more jobs and preserve the current low unemployment rate. Labor has no plan to keep the economy strong.
Listen to this Speech (MP3 - 1.34Mb - 87secs)