Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for her question. I refer her to the answer that I just gave, because, under this government, we have seen 60 per cent of the jobs that have come back since the pit of the COVID-19 recession go to women. What we've seen is this government's investment in women getting jobs, because we're investing in an economy that can create jobs. Women will be seeking jobs in manufacturing industries. They'll be seeking jobs in the agricultural industry. They'll be seeking jobs right across the economy. But this budget, above all, is a budget for all Australians, who are dealing with the challenge of the biggest global recession that we have seen since the Second World War.

These facts may escape the Leader of the Opposition and the members opposite, as they go on with their embarrassing reviews. But, honestly, what we are seeking to do through this budget is get as many women in work as we possibly can, and we're well on the road to doing that. The Women's economic security statement 2020 is our second economic security statement for women. The first one was delivered by the former Minister for Women, Kelly O'Dwyer, and this one was delivered by Senator Marise Payne, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Women.

Our plan for women is ensuring that they do get back into jobs, that the businesses they may have had to close reopen—that the businesses that are going to employ more Australians are able to employ more Australians, and the tax that they pay will be less. All Australian families sitting around the table at home will have woken up this morning with an even greater sense of confidence, knowing that this government has their back—including women, because women are an increasing part of our labour force, and they will continue to grow in our labour force because of the skills and the attainment that they're able to achieve. Under this government the gender pay gap got to its lowest level and under this government the labour force participation of women got to its highest level, and that is what we will continue to pursue through the many policies that are outlined in this budget.

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