The key drivers of economic growth across the country are the level of employment, economic growth and the availability of capital.
Key points:The Greens want to increase investment in greenfield infrastructure by $15 billionA major factor in driving economic activity is the level and quality of jobs, the Greens argueThe party wants to introduce a minimum wage of $10.10 an hour and an extra $10 million for small businessThe party says it is important to have an inclusive and flexible economyThe Greens have proposed the biggest infrastructure investment program in the nation’s history, proposing $15.5 billion to build new greenfields and other large-scale infrastructure projects across Australia.
It is the first major federal government announcement to tackle the issue of capital, with the $15bn proposed over the next five years.
“Greenfield growth has been key to economic growth for decades, and the Greens are calling for a minimum income for Australian workers to boost economic activity and productivity,” Greens leader Adam Bandt said in a statement.
“This will support the construction of thousands of new greenfield sites in Australia’s most disadvantaged regions and ensure Australians are given the opportunity to build up their skills and businesses.”
Our national economy is currently struggling with the loss of more than 300,000 manufacturing jobs since the global financial crisis.
“It is critical that our Government takes action to protect our economy, create more jobs and boost our economy’s future.”
Mr Bandt also said he was “very confident” the Greens would be able to secure the support of the Coalition and Labor, as the Greens had a clear majority in the Senate.
“We have a clear mandate to act, and I’m very confident the Greens will be able … to secure support from the Coalition, Labor and the Liberal Party,” he said.
“I am also confident we can build on this momentum to deliver a fairer and more equitable Australia.”
The Greens are proposing a minimum salary of $15 an hour, a $10 per hour national living wage, and a $2 billion boost for small businesses.
Mr Bandstt said the Greens’ proposal was the first of its kind in Australia, and it would provide “a real boost” to Australian jobs and growth.
“The Greens will deliver on these key principles,” he added.
“They will:”Build on the economic and social gains that have been made under the Howard government, such as the reduction of homelessness, improved education and employment opportunities, the end of family break-ups, the introduction of a universal minimum wage and a strong, competitive and affordable health and social care system.
“Build a fairered and flexible Australia, that will build on the success of the Howard-Greens Labor governments of 1996-2001.”
Mr Coombes said the Coalition had failed to deliver the kind of infrastructure investment it promised.
“While there are some positive things we can do, like more housing and transport infrastructure, we have to be realistic about what we can achieve and what it takes to get us to where we want to be,” he told ABC Radio Canberra.
“If we want the Greens to be the major party that gets us there, then they need to be willing to do the right things for our country.”
Labor has also said it will support any infrastructure spending.
“Building more roads and rail is essential for a healthy economy,” Communications Minister Mitch Fifield said.
He said the infrastructure spending proposals would be part of a national infrastructure strategy.
“There is no question the government needs to spend money on roads and other public transport infrastructure,” he continued.
“But we need to invest in infrastructure and we need the support to get there.”
Topics:economics-and-finance,government-and/or-politics,jobs,jobs-and.employment,jobspolicy,government—business-economics,corbyn-jones,cabinet,australiaFirst posted February 09, 2019 16:31:20Contact Peter CoombensTopics:business-and-$,government,government–jobs,labour,corporate-governance,election,aus,canberra-2600,actFirst posted February 09, 2020 18:35:04
