Delegates, I second the economics chapter of our platform.
It is a privilege to rise in support of the Treasurer and Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan to second chapter two of our platform.
Economic reform and strong economic management are core to the Labor project. Because without these we cannot govern. Without these we cannot deliver fairness. Without these we cannot pursue progressive outcomes.
Building economic prosperity is not only consistent with the pursuit of social justice. It demands it. Labor priorities of jobs, growth and fairness are built on a strong economy.
Our Government has the economic agenda to deliver this – to deliver prosperity and opportunity for all Australians.
This includes bringing the budget back to surplus by 2012-13 and putting the budget on a sustainable footing.
This has meant difficult decisions.
We have had to make decisions that are appropriate for today’s circumstances, striking the right balance between global uncertainty and Australia’s solid medium term prospects.
Bringing the budget back to surplus is part of the broader economic reform agenda being undertaken by this Government.
Introducing the Minerals Resource Rent Tax will see a fair share of our mineral resources returned to the Australian people, and strengthen the broader economy.
Increasing the superannuation guarantee will deliver a higher standard of retirement for working Australians – and increase the national domestic pool of savings.
The Government is also investing in the drivers of productivity; the nation building infrastructure and skills that are necessary for economic growth tomorrow. Overcoming capacity constraints and lifting the skill base of the economy are vital to long term prosperity.
We’re investing in skills and education. We’re improving participation. We’re rolling out the NBN.
Labor reforms. A Labor agenda reflecting Labor values. Enabling more Australians not only to participate but also to share in the nation’s prosperity.
But without a strong budget the Government cannot invest in once in a generation health care reforms. Without sustainable finances the Government cannot revolutionise the education system.
Without a strong budget we cannot fund low-paid workers in the social and community sector to attend pay equity.
And without sustainable finances the Government would not be able to act to shield the country, workers and families from economic downturns in the future.
Economic reform underpins the longer term position of the budget. Without reform we are passing on to the next generation the burdens of our own.
The task is considerable. The task is made more difficult by a negative and destructive Opposition. We know that this Labor Government will never enjoy the benefit of bipartisanship in the pursuit of sound economic reform in the national interest. Because we have an Opposition Leader who is incapable of recognising the national interest. An Abbott Coalition in which Australians see a party that would rather see the nation fail than the Government succeed.
But let me be clear.
Without economic reform and disciplined finances we are unable to carry forward the Labor project.
Labor is a progressive party, a reforming party. We are also a party of government.
The Labor project is to marry a mandate to govern with progressive values and economic responsibility.
It takes discipline to deliver the equity of opportunity and the fairness of outcomes that warms the hearts of the Labor movement.
Labor people know it is one thing to talk change – it is another to deliver it.
This is what Labor does. We deliver change and we take that responsibility.
This generation of Australians is living through the economic transformation from West to East.
This generation of Australians will grow and prosper in the Asian Century.
It is only Labor that will ensure the prosperity that opportunity brings is fairly shared.
It is only Labor that will govern now and in the years ahead for growth, for jobs and for fairness.
Delegates, it is my privilege to second the motion that this platform chapter be adopted.
