Senate debates

Thursday, 18 June 2020

Questions without Notice

COVID-19: Employment

2:04 pm

Photo of Mathias CormannMathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

I completely reject the premise of the last part of the question. We are very focused on making sure no-one is left behind. In case the opposition hasn't noticed, we are going through a pretty difficult period as a result of something we didn't cause. Workforce participation levels before the COVID-19 pandemic hit were the highest on record—in particular, the female participation rate was at its highest level ever. We've been hit by a pretty devastating virus. That has had a pretty devastating effect on our economy and on economies around the world. But you know what? In Australia, the Australian people know that, compared to other countries around the world, we are actually doing comparatively well. That doesn't mean that people aren't feeling hardship and difficulties. Of course they are, and we are focused on making sure that we get back into the strongest possible position as soon as possible.

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