Labor and Greens question Liberals job pledge in federal election quarral

Moffat claimed the electorate has seen nothing but "piecemeal funding" from Mr Hastie, with no tangible evidence the "handouts" are actually helping people get a job or start up a small business.

"I feel that the incumbent has put himself out there as some 'stalwart figurehead' who is saving us," she said.

"In the time that he has been in office, we have seen Mr Hastie target welfare recipients rather than act on job creation here. We haven't seen any actual jobs created.

"There are really dynamic small businesses here in Peel, not including the rest of Canning. I'm not sure how much assistance they're getting."

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Mr Hastie disputed his rival's comments, stating he had providing funding to several initiatives that fostered jobs growth and entrepreneurship in the region.

"It sounds like [Ms Moffat] doesn't know what she's talking about," he said.

"The Morrison government has invested heavily to develop local industries and encourage job growth in Mandurah and the Peel region.

"That includes $21.75 million for the Peel Business Park, which is anticipated to create 363 jobs during construction, 3930 jobs post-construction, and become a significant source of traineeships and apprenticeships.

"Our commitment to residential aged care in Mandurah will also expand local job opportunities. The allocation of funding for two new aged-care facilities, with a combined capacity for 263 residents in Halls Head and Dawesville, will bring many opportunities for those working in nursing, palliative care and supporting industries.

"And just this week, we have committed $7 million to the Mandurah Foreshore Development, backing a community-driven plan for local tourism. Drawing more tourists to Mandurah means more jobs in cafes, hotels and with tour operators. That's particularly exciting for young people looking to get their first job in Mandurah.

"We're also investing significantly in road and rail extension, including the Lakelands Train Station and Tonkin Highway extension. That will improve access to Perth for jobseekers and open our region up for development in places like the West Mundijong Industrial Area."

However, Ms Moffat said the federal Liberals had "no clear pathway" for helping those struggling in the region.

"We haven't seen a commitment from either the federal or the state Liberal party to develop permanent sustainable employment options and small businesses in this region," she said.

"It's clear the Liberals have no plan for the future of our community.

"Like many people in this region, I don't want to see fly-by-night funding from a federal government desperate for re-election.

"I want proper sustainable change and a healthy happy community."

Mr Hastie refuted those claims and stated the Liberals had a plan that encouraged small businesses to grow and thrive.

"The tax rate for businesses with a turnover less than $50 million has been reduced from 30 per cent to 27.5 per cent - the lowest rate in 50 years," he said.

"We will be further reducing this to 25 per cent. For unincorporated businesses with a turnover less than $5 million, we have introduced a tax discount of 8 per cent and legislated a further increase to 16 per cent.

"We are also expanding the instant asset write-off for small and medium businesses with a turnover less than $50 million until June 30, 2020. That means around 3.4 million small and medium businesses around Australia employing over seven million workers are eligible to deduct assets under $30,000.

"Measures like this give local small businesses greater flexibility to expand and grow."

Another knock came from Labor's candidate Mellisa Teede, who echoed Ms Moffat's sentiment on Monday.

During an announcement of $5 million for a future culinary school in Mandurah, Ms Teede "called out" Mr Hastie for being missing in action when it came to supporting Peel's economy.

In front of several community representatives, she took the opportunity to claim that Mr Hastie had "not demonstrated any commitment to advancing the local industry".

However, Mr Hastie said Labor would "hit businesses with higher taxes and more red tape".

"They'll hit their customers with higher taxes, including over 5000 retirees in Canning. That means people in Mandurah will have less money in their pockets to spend in our local stores, in local cafés, or by hiring local tradies," Mr Hastie said.

"Mellisa Teede and the Greens candidate want to deindustrialise Australia and send our industry jobs offshore to other countries.

"They'd rather please the loony Green-left in the cities than back workers in our region.

"They like to wear high-viz vests and hardhats but they both pose a threat to our local economy. A vote for them is a vote for the Green activists.

"Under Bill Shorten, everyone loses."