Question Time

Unemployment Figures

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (14:08): My question is to the Premier. Why do the unemployment figures published today show that the Premier's policies have not created one single job in the past 12 months?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier) (14:08): It's a pleasure to answer this question. Two months ago the Leader of the Opposition was complaining about the high unemployment rate at 7.3 per cent. It's now down to 6.2 per cent and he's still complaining. He hates the fact that this government, since coming—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —to power, has created almost 10,000 jobs, of which 65 per cent are full-time jobs—and he hates it. He hates the fact that South Australia is moving forward. The reality is that, whilst we have created almost 10,000 jobs in the first 18 months that this government has been in place, we are going to redouble our efforts and continue to create even more jobs in South Australia. That's the focus of this government—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL: —and that's what we are going to be doing every single day that we are in government. So, rather than talk down the state, talk down the prospects—like those opposite love to do—we are going to be working hard every day to create more jobs and a better future for all South Australians.

The SPEAKER: Before I call the leader, I call to order the following members: the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Lee and the member for Waite.