FED: Labor increases pressure on coalition to pass budget bills

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-2008
FED: Labor increases pressure on coalition to pass budget bills

The RUDD government's expected to increase pressure on the coalition NOT to block key
budget measures when parliament resumes next week under a new-look Senate.

Labor will have to rely on the support of five Greens senators .. independent NICK
XENOPHON and Family First's STEVE FIELDING to get legislation passed if the coalition
won't back the laws.

The government has accused the coalition of being economic vandals for planning to
block a tax hike on so-called alcopops .. and changes to the Medicare levy surcharge threshold.

Along with a tax on luxury cars .. which the opposition is still undecided about ..

the moves account for about $3.7 billion in government revenue over four years.

Treasurer WAYNE SWAN says the budget surplus is a crucial buffer in a time of international
economic uncertainty .. and for the Liberal Party to try and blow a hole in that surplus
is the height of economic irresponsibility.

AAP RTV jcd/fdf/af

KEYWORD: SENATE (CANBERRA)

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