Australia has coped with the global financial storm because of this government’s assertive and timely policy stimulus. That stimulus plus the combined efforts of employers and employees have helped to lessen the impact of the global recession on jobs. It is our government’s policy actions that continue to be critical factors in supporting the economy—the initial fiscal stimulus to households and businesses combined with a longer term effect from the infrastructure programs. This government knows that we will face a big jobs challenge ahead. The unemployment rate will continue to rise as the effects of the global recession impact our economy. We have already seen unemployment rise by 200,000 people in Australia.