Thursday, 28 October 2021

 Ms THOMAS (Macedon—Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional Development) (14:26): The Andrews Labor government put jobs at the centre of everything we do. Since our election we have remained focused on creating jobs and opportunities for Victorians wherever they live. I wish to inform the house of some recent visits that I have made.

As Minister for Regional Development I am very proud to be doing all that I can to continue to meet and beat our target of 400 000 new jobs by 2025. On Tuesday last week I was in Ballarat, where the unemployment rate is more than 4 percentage points lower than it was when those opposite were in power. With my colleague the member for Wendouree I announced five new tenants at the Ballarat West employment zone, delivering 150 new jobs. With the support of our government and the City of Ballarat, BWEZ is home to a range of businesses, from manufacturing to civil infrastructure and agricultural machinery.

In Geelong I am proud to say that unemployment is more than 5 percentage points lower than it was when those opposite were last in office. It was great to join the member for Lara to announce our government support for local manufacturer Care Essentials. This family-owned and operated business produces medical equipment and products and exports to more than 60 countries. Recently recognised at Victoria’s national export awards, Care Essentials is the only Australian manufacturer of specialised warming blankets that are used during surgery. With our government support Care Essentials will expand their manufacturing capability, creating 100 new full-time jobs.

These new initiatives illustrate that regional Victoria is truly the best place to live, work and invest. While those opposite are flip-flopping, fighting and calling each other fools, our government is getting on with delivering more jobs for the people of rural and regional Victoria and indeed right across our great state.