Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Lundy. I think the response from the Australian community broadly has been extremely positive about this package. People understand the need for it and overall the reaction has been that we have got the balance right. The Property Council, the Australian Constructors Association and other industry groups are all saying that this is a good package and that it needs to be implemented urgently. The Property Council of Australia said:

Every dollar that goes into the construction sector has a multiplier effect—it is spent three times over in the economy. This makes for an ideal measure of a well thought-out stimulus package.

The Australian Constructors Association says that it is a thoughtful and well-targeted program. The opposition are alone in their criticism of this package. All the major economic commentators and all the major industry associations urge the opposition to pass this and protect Australian jobs.