E&OE...
Listen to this Speech (MP3 - 0.98Mb - 64secs)
Good morning,
Australia is experiencing the longest unbroken period of economic expansion in its history.
There are more people in work than ever before and business - both big and small - remain optimistic about the future.
While not everyone is enjoying the benefits of our current prosperity, the economic outlook is very positive.
The International Monetary Fund yesterday handed down a special report on the Australian economy describing it amongst the very best in the world.
Despite this, I believe we can do better.
I believe that Australia can have a full-employment economy - where anyone who wants a job and is able to work - has a job.
And not just any job, but one that leads to a lasting career.
The Labor Party - by reversing the Government's workplace reforms - would make a full-employment economy an unattainable goal.
Their plan to abolish laws that encourage small business to take on more staff would have a damaging impact on the job market and lead to higher unemployment.
The Coalition has a plan to maintain Australia's prosperity - Labor has a plan to wreck it.
Listen to this Speech (MP3 - 0.98Mb - 64secs)