268 Results

New estimates of the structural budget balance sit poorly with opposition claims about the Gillard government’s poor fiscal mismanagement. Turns out things might not be so bad after all …

Joe Hockey’s words of wisdom: “having more women in the workforce increases participation.” Plus other political views noted along the way

The Coalition’s sudden enthusiasm for spending cuts is rather hypocritical — but a welcome embrace of fiscal responsibility. Both major parties are lifting their game, improving the dire standards in political debate.

Budget week in Canberra highlighted the economic constraints facing an Abbott government — and gave a hint that the Coalition may be Labor lite when it comes to future budgets. Crikey deputy editor Cathy Alexander talks with Canberra correspondent Bernard Keane.

Tony Abbott’s budget reply speech suggests that, despite a “budget emergency”, a Coalition government’s fiscal policy would be broadly similar to Labor’s. His rhetoric is austere, but his promises are not.

This year has demonstrated that the Opposition can produce policy without too much risk. The budget reply is an opportunity to continue that.

Joe Hockey described the federal budget as a ‘magical pudding’, becoming the latest in a long line of politicians to use the metaphor. Piers Kelly explores its literary origins.

Up in the air with the Skywhale … how do you make a budget? … lawyer’s pay

What’s life like living on Newstart unemployment benefits? Crikey talks to a jobseeker, a single mum and a graduate about how they live on just $497 a fortnight.

With the Aussie dollar refusing to fall, it’s important we make sure fiscal policy can effectively respond to economic challenges. And even the pollies are finally facing up to that difficult reality.

The Coalition’s acceptance that it won’t return immediately to surplus contradicts its silly rhetoric. But it’s sensible and realistic, writes Bernard Keane and Glenn Dyer.

After last week’s Labor debacle, it’s time for the opposition to step up and present its credentials as an alternative government. If they want an election, they have to put their cards on the table now.

Now that we’re clear that slashing public spending does real damage to the economy, what do we know about the Coalition’s fiscal policy? Not much.

Having finally shifted to policy rather than smear campaigns in question time, the Opposition yesterday found unexpected success.

People who saw Joe Hockey as a tubby trailblazer have a new US political star.

Wayne Swan’s abandonment of the surplus commitment isn’t the opening of the fiscal floodgates, but it’s a great gift for Joe Hockey. Perhaps voters will be smarter than either major party on this vexed issue.

In this week’s Crikey Calling, Jason Whittaker and Bernard Keane discuss the political debate over interest rates and what it means for the economy, as well as the latest state of the public service report.