Michael Johnson (Ryan, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I see that the member for Blaxland is listening intently. I hope he reminds his constituents that in this country in 30 years we have not had figures such as the 4½ per cent unemployment that we have now. I think that those 30 years might even stretch to the time when the member for Blaxland’s predecessor was sitting in this parliament as Prime Minister, so he, of all members in this parliament, ought to know better. His predecessor presided over an economy and a nation that had too many people unemployed—a million Australians out of work.

I want to conclude by encouraging all Australians who might not have seen the movie The Pursuit of Happyness to go and see it. Over the break, I had the opportunity with my wife, nephew and niece to see this movie starring Will Smith and his young son. It was very striking because it showed me that people want the opportunity to pursue a job. The circumstances that the movie portrayed were remarkable. It really hit home. I think most Australians would share the values and the ideals of this government—that all Australians who are in a position to work should work because it not only contributes to the economic prosperity of their country and their community but also gives them self-esteem. (Time expired)

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