Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor says the Government has had a year of huge achievement. Delivering the Government’s final speech of the parliamentary year in Parliament’s Federation Chamber, Mr Taylor said the foundations were being laid for a strong and prosperous economy. 

Parliamentary video of speech>>

“This Government has created over 100 thousand new jobs in its first year. We have started investment in a massive infrastructure program - road, rail, bridge building, telecommunications, the Badgerys Creek airport  - the likes of which has not been seen in Australia for a generation.

“We have signed historic trade agreements with Japan, Korea and China – and the economic benefits will be felt for decades.

“We have scrapped damaging taxes. We have made Australia safe and secure and reclaimed our borders by turning back the boats.

“We have backed the small business sector by cutting red tape and compliance costs.

“And we have re-prioritised the rollout of fast broadband at a cheaper cost and far sooner than Labor could ever have delivered.

“Across my electorate of Hume I have sent a newsletter this week to local businesses in which business owners and operators are thanking Government for their support,” he said.

Mr Taylor said he was hearing clearly in local communities that as families were heading toward Christmas, they were most concerned, not about national debt and deficit, but their own personal budgets.

“There is a straightforward answer here and a message for a new year.The fastest way to pay back debt – government, business or household – is to have rising incomes.

“To deliver rising incomes in the coming decade, we don’t need to work harder, but we do need to work smarter. After a busy and successful year, my first in Federal Parliament, and the first of a new Government, we should not be too quick to point to failings or missed opportunities.

“This Government is steering a steady course to economic stability and prosperity and that should be a great comfort for all Australians.

“On behalf of the Government, I wish all of Australia a happy and safe festive season. And have a well-earned break with family and friends.”