Question Time

EMPLOYMENT FIGURES

Mr MARSHALL (Norwood—Leader of the Opposition) (14:06): My question is to the Premier. How many new jobs are there in South Australia since the Labor government promised to create 100,000 new jobs almost four years ago?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier, Treasurer, Minister for State Development, Minister for the Public Sector, Minister for the Arts) (14:06): I thank the honourable member for his question. There is no doubt that in the period since we made that commitment we have been in the middle of an unprecedented global financial crisis, which has—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: The member for Heysen is called to order.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: —gripped the world, and which has been deeper and more sustained, with the flow-on effects being more substantial, than anybody could have forecast. There is no doubt about that, and that is accepted as a fact.

Jobs growth in South Australia is something that, as a government, we are absolutely committed to, and all our energies and resources are directed at that matter. Since March 2002 we have seen 120,000 jobs created during the life of this government, including more than 65,000 full-time jobs. That is in contrast with the last Liberal government, when 5,800 full-time jobs were created during that period.

We have set ourselves an ambitious jobs target, and we are not afraid of setting those challenges because that goes to our core project as a Labor Party and a Labor government. The target we set for our state was based on an optimism about our state, and there are grounds for belief that that optimism is well placed. We are a more diversified—

Members interjecting:

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: Point of order, sir: the Premier is having to face a barrage of gabbling from the opposition. I ask you to call them to order.

The SPEAKER: It is opportune that you should do so, because I have a list. The member for Finniss is called to order; the member for Morphett is called to order and warned a first time; the member for Heysen is warned a first and second time, and that is her final warning; the member for Morialta is called to order; the member for Hammond is called to order; and the member for Unley is called to order.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Just in the last few months alone, we have seen positive data in relation to business confidence, we have seen positive data in relation to retail spending, we have seen positive data in relation to housing approvals and housing finance, and we have seen positive data in relation to state final demand. All of those matters that have been reported in the last reporting period have been strong indicators of very positive forecasts for the South Australian economy. We also have forecasts of one of the best crops for South Australia on record, both in terms of its volume and its value. These all reflect the strength and diversity of the South Australian economy.

There is no doubt that it has been hard going over the last few years. Something in the order of 5,900 jobs have been created since we were elected to government over this period. There is a very substantial amount of work to be done if we are to reach that target, but we are determined to pursue jobs growth. Within our forward estimates, we have a very strong commitment to public infrastructure spending, which those opposite describe as the false economy but we know underpin at least 8,500 new jobs in our economy.

At a time when those opposite are urging austerity, we are continuing to maintain our investments in public infrastructure, not only for the long-term benefits of our economy but also to sustain the economy at this important time when it needs our assistance. This has always been the South Australian way of actually lending a hand—

Mr Marshall: Are you going to answer the question?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: I have; I've answered the question.

Mr Marshall: 'How many jobs have you created since the last election?' was the question.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: I have already told you, 5,900.

Mr MARSHALL: Supplementary, sir.

The SPEAKER: Before we move to a supplementary, it is with a heavy heart that I warn the member for Hammond for the first time.

An honourable member: Ever.

The SPEAKER: No, he has been warned before, particularly earlier in the week when he was monumentally disruptive.

Mr van Holst Pellekaan interjecting:

The SPEAKER: And the member for Stuart is called to order. Supplementary.