It was great to have the Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, in Western Australia last week.

While in Perth, her address to a breakfast hosted by the West Australian Newspaper underscored how well our Deputy PM understands Western Australia’s important contribution to the nation – it is well worth a read.

The Deputy PM recognises that our State is punching above its weight – both when it comes to economic growth during the recent downturn, and in terms of the economic activity today that will generate prosperity tomorrow.

The Rudd Labor Government is fully cognisant of the fact that the enormous expansion in major resource projects taking place in Western Australia represents a major boost for both WA and the nation, as we come out of the recent difficult economic period.

Just as the Rudd Labor Government took decisive action to cushion this State and the nation from the worst effects of the recent global downturn, the Rudd Government is equally committed to investing in Western Australian communities, infrastructure and skills to maximise the benefits of the resources boom.

Only through such investment will we create wealth in ways that will underpin a stronger and fairer Australia.

As the Treasurer Wayne Swan highlighted in his latest economic note, recent analysis by Deutsche Bank confirms that the Government’s Stimulus was vital for all Australian States in weathering the recent down turn, not withstanding resilient Chinese demand for our resources.

As it was, in 2008-9, the West Australian economy grew by only 0.7 per cent, while unemployment rose from a record low of 2.9 per cent to above 5 per cent, and youth unemployment arrived at a worrying 9.7 per cent.

Had the Stimulus not been so successful, we would have seen a much sharper economic contraction and a greater loss of momentum. The package helped WA dodge the recession and saved thousands of jobs. In turn, this saved thousands of Western Australian families from the trauma of unemployment.

And just as importantly, the Rudd Labor Government has been able to use the Stimulus to invest in the critical infrastructure and skills this State needs – so that we can make the most of the opportunities that flow from renewed demand for our commodities, while adding to Western Australians' quality of life now and in the future.

This approach contrasts with the short-sighted attempts of the opposition to find any excuse to cut critical infrastructure investments such as those funded through the Building the Education Revolution program, as the Deputy PM highlighted when she toured new facilities funded through the program at Queens Park Primary in WA.

Despite the Opposition, Rudd Labor will ensure that investment in education, training and infrastructure continues – as it must to keep pace with our expanding economic opportunities and the rise in population that these opportunities are already bringing and will continue to bring to WA.

Prior to leaving Perth, for example, the Deputy PM announced further funding to help the nation respond to the hunger for high skilled labour from industries such as mining, including $50 million with industry for more training places and $350,000 for the Australian National Engineering Taskforce.

To find out more about Rudd Labor's vision for stronger, more competitive economy, with better jobs, that will under pin a fairer and more sustainable future for all Australians, read Nick Sherry's recent address to ACOSS, Wayne Swan's recent speech on 'the right kind of growth,' or Craig Emerson's speech this week on 'why productivity is not just for nerds.'

Best wishes
Louise.

In Committee

The current break in Parliamentary sitting weeks means a busy time for Senate Committees.
The Senate Economics Committee, of which I am a member, is travelling round the country inquiring into the following matters:

• Liquidators and administrators - the committee is examining the role of liquidators and administrators, their fees and their practices, and the involvement and activities of ASIC, prior to and following the collapse of a business. The committee will report by 31 August.
• Small business finance - the committee is investigating the access of small business to finance, including the cost and availability of both loans and ‘start up’ capital. The contribution of small business to economic recovery, competition in the market for small business lending and overseas practices to enhance access to small business finance will also be examined.
• Consumer Law - Trade Practices Amendment (Australian Consumer Law) Bill (No. 2) 2010 is the second step in introducing a single national consumer law. Among areas covered are consumer protection against misleading or unconscionable conduct, unfair contracts and practices, consumer guarantees, unsolicited selling, information standards and product safety.
• Other Bills that the committee is considering are:
  • Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2010
  • Trade Practices Amendment (Material Lessening of Competition-Richmond Amendment) Bill 2009
  • Tax Laws Amendment (2010 Measures No. 2) Bill 2010

Full details of all these inquiries, plus links to on-line submission forms, can be found on the Economics Committee's current inquiries webpage.
To see what other Senate Committees are doing click here.

Out and About

Get Involved

May Day 2010 Festival & March - Sunday May 2 12 noon Freo Esplanade Reserve Free fun, food and music  - Join the labour movement’s biggest social event of the year. The May Day Festival and March will take place once again at the Fremantle Esplanade Reserve from 12pm on Sunday May 2nd.  Since 1952 May Day has been one of Fremantle’s most colourful marches of working class solidarity and celebrates the achievement of workers obtaining the eight hour working day.

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