PM Howard budget bribe falls on deaf ears

[dudeness]

PM Howard and treasurer Costello's recent budget has not received the poll bounce they so optomistically hoped for. In what was perceived by many Australians as a pre-election bribe, payments of between $3000 and $5000 to families for each baby born (regardless of financial status)and one off payments $1200 to families (in two instalments) and tax cuts for high income earners, has failed to grab swinging voters (generally families with young siblings). This cynical ploy by the highest taxing government in Australias history, has conservative strategists pondering their next move. Polls have indicated an upward swing to Labor post budget and the campaign by Labor on issues of universal health and education and withdrawal of the occuping forces from Iraq is starting to resonate with the electorate. This has lead to howard shelving plans for an early election and the continuing catastrophe in the M/E only serves to put another nail in his governments coffin.

[rooboy]

1. ...and he's gotten himself screwed up over the Iragi GC leader's death.

PM accused of double standards:

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/19/1084917653976.html

[dudeness]

2. I would expect nothing less

from Frau Vanstone..