Greens leader Christine Milne blames Tony Abbott for unnecessary budget surplus urgency.

Julian Drape From: AAP April 15, 2012 6:59PM

NEW Greens leader Christine Milne says Opposition Leader Tony Abbott is to blame for creating an environment where Labor feels it is locked into delivering a surplus in the May budget even though economic circumstances have changed.


Treasurer Wayne Swan and Finance Minister Penny Wong have continued to insist that getting the books back in the black was "the right thing to do".

But the Greens believe the Gillard Government shouldn't be rushing to bring the budget back to surplus if it means tough spending cuts and delaying reforms such as the introduction of a universal dental care scheme.

"Everyone in Australia knows if the Prime Minister hadn't come out and made an emphatic statement in 2009 saying the budget would return to surplus this year on the basis of Treasury modelling about the extent of the growth that was predicted we wouldn't be in the position we are," Senator Milne told Network Ten.

"But it's actually Tony Abbott and the 'Ju-liar' community who are responsible for this because it's a political imperative."

Senator Milne said Prime Minister Gillard believed the Government couldn't change its position.

"That's the tragedy of the actual political debate around the economy at the moment," she said.

"We need to be creating the space for people to change their minds and be able to nuance a position according to what's going on in the world."

Ms Gillard on Friday said she hoped Senator Milne would work "responsibly and reasonably" with the government to achieve big changes for Australia "including bringing the budget to surplus".

The new Greens leader, who replaced Bob Brown, said the PM was trying to dissuade the minor party from arguing that the government shouldn't be returning the budget to surplus in 2012-13.

"We are always reasonable and responsible and we will be so in relation to the budget," she said.

"However, we are not going to change our view on that and no doubt there'll be a few robust discussions."

But the low unemployment rate was a sign of Australia's strong economic fundamentals, treasurer Wayne Swan said in his weekly economic note.

"With our economy returning towards trend growth it helps underscore what I've been saying about the importance of bringing the budget back to surplus," the note said.

"Returning to surplus will also ensure the Reserve Bank has the flexibility for further interest rate cuts if it thinks that's necessary."

The finance minister rejected criticism that bringing the budget back to surplus in 2012-13 could trigger a recession.

"It's the right thing to do to bring the budget back to surplus," Senator Wong told Network Ten.

She said November's mid-year economic review forecast growth of 3.5 per cent and it "assumed the fiscal policy the government's got in place".

Senator Wong also rubbished a suggestion by her opposition counterpart Andrew Robb that any surplus would be achieved by fiddling the books.

Mr Robb said one example was the energy security fund to help coal-fired generators adjust to the carbon tax - and scheduled to start on July 1.

Labor will spend $1 billion this financial year and in each of 2013-14 and 2014-15 on the fund, but only $1 million has been set aside for next financial year.

"You don't come back to surplus simply through accounting," Senator Wong said.

"You come back to surplus because you make hard decisions."

But Mr Robb isn't convinced.

He says Senator Wong was caught out and unable to explain why the funding for generators wasn't anything other than a dodgy accounting trick.

"This is just one of many money shuffles that have been uncovered totalling billions of dollars," the opposition finance spokesman said in a statement.

"What these desperate tricks confirm is that when Labor pencils in a wafer-thin budget surplus for 2012-13 in May it simply cannot be believed. It will be illusory."

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/greens-leader-christine-milne-blames-tony-abbott-for-unnecessary-budget-surplus-urgency/story-fn7x8me2-1226327109213

I am so sick of Tony Abbott. EVERYTHING is his fault. I am not quite sure how though, being that the Greens and Labor are the ones in power, whereas he is Leader of the Opposition.  ::)

Yes it is. Liberals were far too smart, visionaries and economic masters for the likes of labor or the greens to compete.

The current situation of labor even pretending to be economic managers will put a strain on the greens redistribution of wealth and put in danger a labor debt ridden economy.

It is Abbott's fault.


Same way Regressives blame Greens for Labor's collpse on their election promise

"Never being A Carbon Tax, Under The Government I Lead"


Both Greens and Liberals know Labor has no backbone and are easy to manipulate.

I am astounded she didn't somehow squeeze in there that it was the medias fault.

matty wrote on Apr 16^th, 2012 at 1:36pm:

I am so sick of Tony Abbott. EVERYTHING is his fault. I am not quite sure how though, being that the Greens and Labor are the ones in power, whereas he is Leader of the Opposition.  ::)

Greens are not in power.

i.e
which portfolios do they hold?


Greens are not in power, just powerful.

____ wrote on Apr 16^th, 2012 at 1:42pm:

matty wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:36pm: I am so sick of Tony Abbott. EVERYTHING is his fault. I am not quite sure how though, being that the Greens and Labor are the ones in power, whereas he is Leader of the Opposition.  ::) Greens are not in power. i.e which portfolios do they hold? Greens are not in power, just powerful.

carbon tax of $100 a tonne portfolio

progressiveslol wrote on Apr 16^th, 2012 at 1:43pm:

____ wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:42pm: matty wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:36pm: I am so sick of Tony Abbott. EVERYTHING is his fault. I am not quite sure how though, being that the Greens and Labor are the ones in power, whereas he is Leader of the Opposition.  ::) Greens are not in power. i.e which portfolios do they hold? Greens are not in power, just powerful. carbon tax of $100 a tonne portfolio

That's not a portfolio.

If you can't name one, just reveals your side is full of it .... rhetoric without substance.


Abbott is a wind bag.

When will Liberals announce their Thorium Plan, so to undermine the coal and uranium sectors.

____ wrote on Apr 16^th, 2012 at 1:38pm:

It is Abbott's fault. Same way Regressives blame Greens for Labor's collpse on their election promise "Never being A Carbon Tax, Under The Government I Lead" Both Greens and Liberals know Labor has no backbone and are easy to manipulate.

How is it Mr Abbott's fault? Also, who are these regressives? I don't know to whom you are referring here.

Completely agreed on the last sentence, though.

progressiveslol wrote on Apr 16^th, 2012 at 1:39pm:

I am astounded she didn't somehow squeeze in there that it was the medias fault.

True. Also, what arrogance in blaming the people.

How dare we expect Labor to fulfill its promises?!

matty wrote on Apr 16^th, 2012 at 1:50pm:

____ wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:38pm: It is Abbott's fault. Same way Regressives blame Greens for Labor's collpse on their election promise "Never being A Carbon Tax, Under The Government I Lead" Both Greens and Liberals know Labor has no backbone and are easy to manipulate. How is it Mr Abbott's fault? Also, who are these regressives? I don't know to whom you are referring here. Completely agreed on the last sentence, though.

Your agreement with the last line proves my point. Abbott is manipulating Labor from opposition.

Is so doing, Abbott must take responsibility for the consequences of his action.

And Greens are and will point out these consequences to all and sundry.

____ wrote on Apr 16^th, 2012 at 2:01pm:

matty wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:50pm: ____ wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:38pm: It is Abbott's fault. Same way Regressives blame Greens for Labor's collpse on their election promise "Never being A Carbon Tax, Under The Government I Lead" Both Greens and Liberals know Labor has no backbone and are easy to manipulate. How is it Mr Abbott's fault? Also, who are these regressives? I don't know to whom you are referring here. Completely agreed on the last sentence, though. Your agreement with the last line proves my point. Abbott is manipulating Labor from opposition. Is so doing, Abbott must take responsibility for the consequences of his action. And Greens are and will point out these consequences to all and sundry.

No, it doesn't. The fact is, that Labor are to be held for their own actions and results. Tony Abbott has no power, being in opposition. I agreed with you that he knows that they can be manipulated. I wasn't saying that he can influence things like this.

matty wrote on Apr 16^th, 2012 at 2:05pm:

____ wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 2:01pm: matty wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:50pm: ____ wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:38pm: It is Abbott's fault. Same way Regressives blame Greens for Labor's collpse on their election promise "Never being A Carbon Tax, Under The Government I Lead" Both Greens and Liberals know Labor has no backbone and are easy to manipulate. How is it Mr Abbott's fault? Also, who are these regressives? I don't know to whom you are referring here. Completely agreed on the last sentence, though. Your agreement with the last line proves my point. Abbott is manipulating Labor from opposition. Is so doing, Abbott must take responsibility for the consequences of his action. And Greens are and will point out these consequences to all and sundry. No, it doesn't. The fact is, that Labor are to be held for their own actions and results. Tony Abbott has no power, being in opposition. I agreed with you that he knows that they can be manipulated. I wasn't saying that he can influence things like this.

Can't have it both ways Matty.

Either Labor is without backbone and Abbott is manipulating her onto the rocks

or

Abbott does not have skills to negotiate his policies and will struggle from his lame duck position if Labor can stop their senator loss at the next election so guarantee a hostile Senate for Abbott. A hostile Senate that could see Abbott fall at a DD.


One or the other.

____ wrote on Apr 16^th, 2012 at 2:16pm:

matty wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 2:05pm: ____ wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 2:01pm: matty wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:50pm: ____ wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:38pm: It is Abbott's fault. Same way Regressives blame Greens for Labor's collpse on their election promise "Never being A Carbon Tax, Under The Government I Lead" Both Greens and Liberals know Labor has no backbone and are easy to manipulate. How is it Mr Abbott's fault? Also, who are these regressives? I don't know to whom you are referring here. Completely agreed on the last sentence, though. Your agreement with the last line proves my point. Abbott is manipulating Labor from opposition. Is so doing, Abbott must take responsibility for the consequences of his action. And Greens are and will point out these consequences to all and sundry. No, it doesn't. The fact is, that Labor are to be held for their own actions and results. Tony Abbott has no power, being in opposition. I agreed with you that he knows that they can be manipulated. I wasn't saying that he can influence things like this. Can't have it both ways Matty. Either Labor is without backbone and Abbott is manipulating her onto the rocks or Abbott does not have skills to negotiate his policies and will struggle from his lame duck position if Labor can stop their senator loss at the next election so guarantee a hostile Senate for Abbott. A hostile Senate that could see Abbott fall at a DD. One or the other.

It's not my fault that you cannot comprehend properly. The Coalition knows that the Greens can manipulate Labor very easily, and the Coalition the cannot do anything to influence policy.

matty wrote on Apr 16^th, 2012 at 2:47pm:

____ wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 2:16pm: matty wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 2:05pm: ____ wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 2:01pm: matty wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:50pm: ____ wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:38pm: It is Abbott's fault. Same way Regressives blame Greens for Labor's collpse on their election promise "Never being A Carbon Tax, Under The Government I Lead" Both Greens and Liberals know Labor has no backbone and are easy to manipulate. How is it Mr Abbott's fault? Also, who are these regressives? I don't know to whom you are referring here. Completely agreed on the last sentence, though. Your agreement with the last line proves my point. Abbott is manipulating Labor from opposition. Is so doing, Abbott must take responsibility for the consequences of his action. And Greens are and will point out these consequences to all and sundry. No, it doesn't. The fact is, that Labor are to be held for their own actions and results. Tony Abbott has no power, being in opposition. I agreed with you that he knows that they can be manipulated. I wasn't saying that he can influence things like this. Can't have it both ways Matty. Either Labor is without backbone and Abbott is manipulating her onto the rocks or Abbott does not have skills to negotiate his policies and will struggle from his lame duck position if Labor can stop their senator loss at the next election so guarantee a hostile Senate for Abbott. A hostile Senate that could see Abbott fall at a DD. One or the other. It's not my fault that you cannot comprehend properly. The Coalition knows that the Greens can manipulate Labor very easily, and the Coalition the cannot do anything to influence policy.

Then the Liberal Party is out of it's depth under Abbott.

Time for a leadership change since Abbott is holding the coalition back.

Basic politics is manipulating to gain advantage.


D'oh  !!!

can you believe milne is whining and blaming Abbott already...I thought we were in for a new leaf...

oh well.they are losers always will be especially when they keep pointing the ugly fingers at someone else..

have they blamed the GFC on him yet??..what about the floods..of course next the cost of Power..keep looking milne I am sure you will find someone else is to blame at the end of the day..

Well really it is the brain dead in the electorate that swallowed the whole surplus fantasy in the first place. Costello had one because every year they projected 4% growth and then the boom went higher. Now we have deficit because they forecast 3% growth and we get 2%. On top of that we have a massive infrastructure back log that was ignored by Howard because he said business will build it but as we see they won't. Had Howard had one sub projection year he would have been in deficit, especially with the middle class welfare the country cannot afford.

It's quite simple. Kevin Rudd wet himself when confronted with the GFC and simply threw money at it in the blind hope it would fix everything. Now the ALP is learning the hard way what their incompetence has done. They have a debt that increases by $100m every day and a budget deficit the size of a black hole. The ONLY reason the ALP are wetting themselves about a surplus now is because they think it may save them from an electoral massacre at the next federal election. TOO LITTLE TOO LATE! As for Chrstine Milne, she's clearly demonstrated for all to see her complete and total lack of understanding of economics and the basic, simple fact that Tony Abbott is not the Prime Minister. The buck stops with Julia Gillard - END OF STORY!!!

Once again, it's Mr Abbott's fault.

It is so nice to agree with you occasionally.

matty wrote on Apr 16^th, 2012 at 1:51pm:

progressiveslol wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:39pm: I am astounded she didn't somehow squeeze in there that it was the medias fault. True. Also, what arrogance in blaming the people. How dare we expect Labor to fulfill its promises?!

Funny that the same people outraged by gillard failing to keep one or two promises were pleased to see Howard break many dozens of them.

Dnarever wrote on Apr 16^th, 2012 at 7:43pm:

Once again, it's Mr Abbott's fault. It is so nice to agree with you occasionally.

It's so good to see that my would post exactly what I predicted you would.

Dnarever wrote on Apr 16^th, 2012 at 7:49pm:

matty wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:51pm: progressiveslol wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:39pm: I am astounded she didn't somehow squeeze in there that it was the medias fault. True. Also, what arrogance in blaming the people. How dare we expect Labor to fulfill its promises?! Funny that the same people outraged by gillard failing to keep one or two promises were pleased to see Howard break many dozens of them.

Mr Howard never broke any as big as the world's biggest carbon tax. Watch electricity, food and water prices skyrocket come July 1!

Dnarever wrote on Apr 16^th, 2012 at 7:49pm:

matty wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:51pm: progressiveslol wrote on Apr 16th, 2012 at 1:39pm: I am astounded she didn't somehow squeeze in there that it was the medias fault. True. Also, what arrogance in blaming the people. How dare we expect Labor to fulfill its promises?! Funny that the same people outraged by gillard failing to keep one or two promises were pleased to see Howard break many dozens of them.

You see you are confused. Gillard needed to negotiate the position to form Government after Abbott completely failed to attract anyone except Bob Katter, so she sold out where as no one actually expected howard to keep his promises as they were non-core.