Yvette D'Ath (Petrie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to congratulate the Treasurer and Deputy Prime Minister first and foremost for his excellent stewardship of the Australian economy but in particular for his recognition by Euromoney magazine as international Finance Minister of the Year. Determined by leading finance and banking experts, this award is a well-deserved honour recognising the Treasurer's swift and decisive action over the past four years to ensure the Australian people are safeguarded from the worst impacts of the global financial crisis.

Government Members:

Government members interjecting—

Yvette D'Ath (Petrie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Euromoney has credited the Treasurer with 'getting the important decisions right', including his commitment to implementing the stimulus and a consistent, strong and steady performance in 'imposing the fiscal discipline that many other finance ministers refused to adopt' to make our country the best performing economy of the world's developed economies. The Treasurer's hard work since coming to office has helped us become a nation that is one of just three OECD countries to stay out of recession since 2008.

Euromoney in their report said:

Australia's position within the global financial community has never been stronger than it is today. Its banking system is strong and the envy of many other developed nations. Its economic foundations are sound, with strong exports, low unemployment and rising incomes.

Importantly, these achievements impact on Australians, and tweeters around the country have congratulated the Treasurer. Ben Strachan tweeted:

Congratulations on your award. I'm a small business owner and I'm thankful for your good work. Well done.

Nick Jatan tweeted:

Congrats mate, plenty of us young families appreciated the government response to the GFC and are grateful for the state of interest rates, thanks.

I give my thanks to the Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer.

I remind the honourable member who was interjecting from outside her seat that she ought not to do so.