Stimulating the Economy
The Rudd Labor Government has cushioned the impact of the global economic downturn by spending 70 per cent of the stimulus program on infrastructure projects.
This investment has saved 210,000 jobs and stimulated growth in consumer spending, which is about 65 per cent of the economy.
Australia has the lowest debt, the lowest deficit and is the only advanced economy to register positive economic growth.
In every community and suburb infrastructure projects are breathing economic life into a sector of the economy that traditionally employs large numbers of people. This is a recipe for recovery.
North Queenslanders understand the sense of a government stepping in during an economic downturn to invest in schools, local council works and community infrastructure to protect jobs and lay the basis for recovery and future long-term productivity growth.
Wherever I go people are keen on infrastructure investment and pleased that 70 per cent of the stimulus packages is being spent on local infrastructure.
This is a Government that is prepared to act in the national interest, to be strong in its leadership, to support the economy, to support small business, to support investment in infrastructure.
Jobs and keeping people in work is what it is all about.
The Rudd Labor Government got in there and acted and while we are not out of the woods yet, there are grounds for optimism.
Yours sincerely,
Jan McLucas
