Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party) | Hansard source

Let me say at the outset what a pleasure it is to have the opportunity to speak on this MPI proposed by Senator Gallagher. I say that because the Morrison government has an incredibly strong record on infrastructure investment, on growing the economy and on creating jobs, and the best example of this investment is in my home state of Western Australia. But before I detail the specific projects being funded in WA, I just want to place on record the contrast between those on this side of the chamber and those opposite. We on this side believe that, to truly grow the economy in a way that touches all sectors and brings along all Australians, we need to create an environment where business and industrial investment and growth can, and should, flourish. Infrastructure investment is a critical part of this, but it's just one piece of our broad economic plan. It's a plan that we took to the Australian people on 18 May and one which they decisively endorsed.

The voters backed our plan for tax relief for small businesses and hardworking Australians. Like us, they believe that people should be able to keep more of the money that they earn and reinvest it back into the economy. They backed our plan to fix the budget and, with the delivery of the first surplus in 12 years ahead of schedule, they backed a plan, our plan, to get more people off welfare and into work, seeing the percentage of welfare recipients that are of working age fall to 14.3 per cent, the lowest rate of welfare dependency in 30 years. And, of course, they backed our 10-year $100 billion plan for infrastructure investment, knowing that our track record of delivery trumps the empty promises of those opposite, who floundered when they were last in government.

Our economic plan means that the Australian economy is growing at 2.3 per cent, a stronger rate than the OECD average and of all G7 economies, except the United States. This strong economy is creating more jobs, and better paying jobs. It is the key to keeping Australians safe and it means we are able to pay for the essential services that all Australians rely on. Our record is there and it's there for all to see, particularly in my home state where we are delivering on major record investment and major projects. We are delivering major highway and local road upgrades to bust congestion and improve safety for all road users. We're removing traffic pinch points through a $4 billion urban congestion fund. We've established a dedicated commuter car park fund to improve access to public transport, and are investing in public transport to improve access and liveability in our cities.

It is those opposite who are genuinely concerned—I beg your pardon, if—