Swan's first budget: boring rhetoric but solid economics

Wayne Swan managed to get 'working families' into his speech 13 times, but that was topped by future which got 22 mentions.

There was no clincher line but the Budget seemed to be a balanced, as promised effort, if uninspired. Perhaps this is in line with the positioning of the Budget as 'responsible'.

Surplus is good at 1.8%, four new investment funds is a big tick I reckon, budget savings are pretty well-targeted (ie some curbing of middle class welfare).

My first reaction is positive, a thumbs up.

Comments

[Chris Newlan]

Interesting to see Kerry O'brien's interview with Swan last night. It's funny when a Treasurer has to promote the line that the budget inflicts pain in the face of views that it was not tough enough