Matt Williams (Hindmarsh, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

We will deliver them, Member for Kooyong, and we have had a great response from the defence industry about this significant commitment—a unique commitment for a defence shipbuilding program. Earlier today we heard of the benefits of the free trade agreements from the minister for trade and how they are helping the economy.

In terms of jobs of the future, let us look at where there are opportunities. We know that with the Medical Research Future Fund—in health care and aged care there will be close to a 20 per cent increase in that sector. Likewise, in education there will be significant job increases, and also in technical services, accommodation, food, retail and trade. There are many companies in my electorate that already excel in the areas of technical services—like Fugro and Thermo Fisher to name two. Both of these companies provide highly technical services to products around the world, with research and development being a key part of what they do. We know that our R&D expenditure can increase—it is a little over two per cent of GDP—and we are looking at new ways that industries can research and utilise government programs to develop their sectors. Zen Home Energy Systems and Tindo Solar are two such companies that over the last 10 years have set up in the renewable sector, in this growing energy market. And on the weekend it was announced that Heliostat have entered into an agreement with an Indian solar company, which could result in many new jobs for South Australia. Heliostat has also received a federal government grant, as we look to support research and development for major renewable energy export opportunities.

Even though there have been highly publicised job losses in South Australia, the small businesses that I have spoken to over the last five weeks and also since the budget have been extremely positive about the initiatives. They are getting on the front foot. They are investing and expanding. They are going to employ more people and have a go. Whether it be education services, retail or hospitality their commitment is impressive. I commend them and wish them all the best. They know that government is setting the foundations for a better economic future. I commend the motion to the House.

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