Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you very much. And wouldn't that statement from the Leader of the Opposition be news to the people of Greece—that statement that the global financial crisis is apparently yesterday's news? Wouldn't it be news to the people of Cyprus? Wouldn't it be news to the millions and millions of people unemployment in Europe? Wouldn't it be news to the people of Italy as they struggle with political gridlock and with continued economic dislocation? Wouldn't it be news to the people of the United States of America, who have not seen growth rates return in a way that would enable those Americans who lost their jobs during the global financial crisis to find a work opportunity?

If the Leader of the Opposition is truly saying that the global financial crisis is over, then what he is saying to the Australian people is that he has no understanding of the global economy or global economic events whatsoever and that the big questions that confront leaders when they meet at forums like the G20 are questions beyond his understanding. That is what he has said to the Australian people today. We deal with the circumstances of the real world, including the circumstances in the Australian economy. We will continue our strategy of supporting jobs and growth and prudent budget management.

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