Wednesday, 12 August 2026

 Melissa HORNE (Williamstown – Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Jobs, Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Minister for Defence Industry) (14:19): On this side of the house we are in the business of growing jobs. Those on the other side talk down the economy, but the Carroll Labor government is getting people into work and the economy is growing. Over the last three years Victoria has had the largest job growth of any state, and we have the largest manufacturing workforce in the country. Jobs and economic growth do not just happen by accident. We have the nation’s largest manufacturing workforce because we back it in. On this side of the house we believe that government can and should be involved in growing jobs. We are growing jobs through the $150 million Victorian Investment Fund, which supports manufacturers to grow their Victorian footprint and employ more workers. Fifty million dollars of this goes to supporting regional businesses to generate investment and create new jobs. We know that government has a role in making sure that businesses have the support they need to grow and to adapt. That is why we are supporting industry through the digital jobs program and skills solutions partnerships. These programs provide free training to upskill workers to take advantage of innovation and adopt new technology.

Unfortunately, the Leader of the Opposition does not believe that governments can create jobs. She said it herself in her inaugural speech: ‘It is business that creates jobs, not government.’ This narrow thinking is dangerous to working Victorians and to businesses. It shows that the Leader of the Opposition does not understand how important it is for governments to support industry and grow jobs.

Bridget Vallence: On a point of order, Speaker, the minister is required to be factual, and the fact is that with 5.1 per cent unemployment, unemployment is the highest in the country in Victoria under their watch.

The SPEAKER: There is no point of order.

Melissa HORNE: The opposition’s promised cuts mean support for businesses will go and mean that frontline workers will be sacked.

Bridget Vallence: Speaker, I renew my point of order. The minister needs to be factual. Youth unemployment is 11.3 per cent under Labor’s watch.

The SPEAKER: That is not a point of order.

Melissa HORNE: It really sums up the difference between a Carroll Labor government that is invested in growing jobs and the wannabe Edward Scissorhands on the other side.