Answer is Tony and the 24hr news cycle will ensure that labour will do whatever it can it get a surplus.

Economics has nothing to do with it and we all know it. A just as interesting question is why do the Liberals think a surplus is required?

"Thus socialism, in its very nature, is a claim for the socialisation of costs and privatisation of benefits"

I'm sure I have a bex here somewhere Peter.

Nicely cut through Kenny.

Last time Labor had a surplus was when Keating produced one that assisted Australia into the recession we had to have.

Costello played a part in dumbing down the economic debate with Beasleys black hole making a surplus the be all and end all. Yet he didn't mind a deficit to assist Australia through the 2001slump.

Swan producing a surplus for the sake of it is allowing Costellos' dumbing down to rule his policy.

Typical socialists trying to out stupid the tories.

A good article. It's odd that the Government has gone to such trouble to try post a surplus when surpluses are not very important.

It has only been the last 20 years or so that the nation has posted surpluses. There are a number of cases for running a deficit although not to the tune of Italy's or Ireland's.

They won't achieve a surplus.They know it.If they do it by taxation ie carbon taxes so the economy will shrink and they'll have less tax.

Wayne Swan is probably a nice guy but is bereft of an economic nous.He should not be there.The big 4 banks made $31 billion profit.This is $2800 profit for every working person in Aust.The other $31 billion goes OS to the banks who create it with the click of a computer mouse.Micky Mouse Money for them.This is why we have gone from 3% of GDP debt in 1976 to over 53% of GDP debt today.

When we sold off our Commonwealth Bank, wealth now,is not so common.

Tax the non productive sector and not mining or manufacturing.Reward those who produce.