Treasurer confident after business figures
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says he's confident Australia will be able to make a successful recovery out of COVID-19, with new economic figures showing the nation avoided a slew of businesses shutting during the pandemic.
According to new tax office and Treasury data, there were 40 per cent fewer external administrations this year than in the same period in the years before COVID-19.
"(It's) another proof point that Australia's economic recovery is on track," Mr Frydenberg told the Nine Network on Monday.
"The jobs are coming back, unemployment is at 4.6 per cent, a 12-year low, we know that job ads are 30 per cent higher than at the start of the pandemic."
It comes as the government will look to road test their election measures in electorates across NSW and Victoria during the week.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison will spend the day speaking to voters in the Hunter Valley on Monday.
Shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers said while it was pleasing to see the economy recover after COVID-19, some results were mixed.
"We want to see it recover strongly, we want to see the government take responsibility for things when they are difficult and not just when they are recovering," he said.
"It is pleasing it is starting to get some momentum."
The treasurer said the recent Treasury figures were better than expected.
However, he declined to say if next year's federal budget would be moved forward to April in order to have the election in May.
The next federal election is due to be held by May 21.
Mr Frydenberg said the country's finances would receive a further boost in coming weeks with the return of skilled workers and international students.
"(Skilled workers will return) before the end of the year, and that's what we're working towards," Mr Frydenberg told Sky News.
"We're optimistic and confident about the economy's outlook."
