Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Lindgren for the question. Yes, I can. Since being elected in September 2013, this government has overseen the creation of 421,400 jobs. This is an increase of 3.7 per cent from when we came into office. One of the figures that we need to compare is the last 12 months of this government compared to the last 12 months of the former Rudd-Gillard-Rudd government. There is one ratio that the Australian people need to remember. That ratio is three to one: we have created three jobs for every one job that Labor created. Under this government in the last 12 months we have seen the Australian economy create almost 300,000 jobs. That is more than three times the rate of job creation under those opposite when they were last in government.

I am also pleased to advise Senator Lindgren that the rate of growth in the Australian jobs market over the last 12 months is higher than any other G7 nation. In signs that the Australian people have confidence in the job market, the participation rate has now risen to 65.2 per cent, and female employment—as the Minister for Women, I am pleased to advise—has risen by 163,200. Simply put, more Australians are out there and are willing to get out and look for work. We are also fostering the conditions for job creation because we understand the government is able to set the framework in which business can create jobs. That is why, under this government, we have signed three free trade agreements—because that is how you create jobs in the long term. (Time expired)