MR PALLAS (Werribee—Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Industrial Relations) (12:20): I rise to inform the house about the state’s midyear financial report, which shows that 170 000 Victorians found employment between September and December 2020—the largest increase in the nation. The boost in employment shows that Victoria is on track to reach the government’s target of creating 400 000 jobs by 2025, with half of these by 2022 as we announced in the ‘Jobs Plan’ at the last budget and as we are demonstrating our progress. It is fantastic news, and it shows that while those opposite are focused on one job, we are focused on the jobs of all Victorians. The report shows that the unemployment rate declined to 6.5 per cent in December, below the national average of 6.6 per cent and of course well down on the peak of 7.5 per cent in June.

Before the pandemic some 520 000 new Victorian jobs were created between November 2014 and March 2020—more jobs than any other state or territory in the nation. Compare that to the record of those opposite, who left office with unemployment at 6.7 per cent and who had created just 121 300 jobs in four years. Indeed in the December quarter this government created more jobs in regional Victoria than those opposite did in four years.

We have learned that when it comes to the member for Malvern he is not too good with numbers, but he is still better than the member for Gembrook. The fact is that despite these challenges posed by the pandemic our government’s investment in assisting Victorians to recover—$13 billion worth of investment—is reaping rewards and demonstrating that our economy is growing. Our revenue inflows are demonstrating it.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! The Manager of Opposition Business and the Leader of the House! The member for Euroa—I can see you behind the Leader of The Nationals—please stop shouting.