We probably qualify as a “working family” but because we avoid using child care and have only one paying job, a lot of the “working family” largesse passes us by (other than the stupidity of family tax benefits). It seems like a pretty narrow definition when you look at it that way, so don’t feel too hard done by.

Am I a “working family”, “working family”, “working family”?

Which is sort of the point, since none of those speeches were Teh Budget. He has the rounds of the media immediately afterwards and this morning which is where the soundbites come from. He’s got half an hour, read the numbers however you want and get out of there. He’s not the bloke I’d tap on the shoulder to deliver Gettysburg sure but he never has been and who could have been expecting it?

http://www.budget.gov.au/2008-09/content/ministerial_statements/html/education-03.htm#P129_13602

http://news.smh.com.au/business-groups-give-budget-thumbs-up/20080513-2ds2.html

http://www.budget.gov.au/

What happened to requirement for the Australian Treasurer to be snide and smug? It was like your best friend’s dad at their 21st birthday.

Not as dull as Kerin or Howard, but on the shortlist.

Totally! It looked like she was going to hang herself afterwards - which considering the extra health spending is probably unnecessary!

Meh. Every speech he’s ever given in the House, he’s been looking at his opponents. He should be used to that by now. Besides, there’s a camera pointing straight at him that’s over Dr Brendo’s right shoulder. If you’re talking to the folk at home, you do it through that camera.

This speech is THE big set-piece in the Parliament, with a prepared speech that’s been surely (or should have been) rehearsed to an inch of its life. I’m just surprised Swannie came out of the gate so weakly.

d

http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/05/13/budget-politics-2008-style/

Funding a few more postgraduate scholarships seems a bit pointless if their departments can’t afford to unlock the stationery cabinets for more than a couple of minutes a day.

OK, I’m coming down off the budget high now.

If he looks up, he’s looking at the Opposition. Eyeballing them is fine when you’re having a shot but it’s not the right vibe for a serious budget delivery. Talk about distracting, Brendan grinning manically away in your line of sight.

Not much for the libs either. Noone’s going to get too riled about 150k+ earners beingf means tested.

Nonetheless, my prediction for the OZ headline”

“Swan Masterclasswar”

“he’s talking directly to the public and not to the media and the pundits… not trying to play to the gallery”

I get that and I agree, I’m just talking about the delivery of a prepared speech with highlights repeated on the news. I don’t think he hit the highlights enough, too much reading from the page and not looking up. But I’m picky abut that sort of thing. :^)

d