Graham, the findings from this survey are interesting given the factor of time. It appears sentiment and opinions at the time largely followed voter preference from the last election.

But aince the Budget was handed down, I believe these results are no longer reflective of public attitudes. Indeed the Budget has suffered quite badly in public perceptions as has Labor generally as a result. The budget is now referred to in words such as 'ineffective, shallow, meaningless, not enough to fight inflation and in some cases, even harder language such as discriminatory and deceptive (re pensioners and carers).

It seems that as the real messages and impacts of the budget have been through greater analysis and unpacked, public opinion toward Labor as an effective governing party has dramatically declined. While it tried to take an economic conservative line with the budget to keep promises made and to take the high ground as an economic manager, it has in fact slipped up quite badly on both accounts.

This was a damned if you do and damned if you don't budget. There is a huge conflict between short-term political pragmatism and long term political doom. That's why we have seen an embarrassing discussion over fuel price reduction of a few cents. The big picture ignored, like argueing over the height of an incoming tide while far away the tsunami is gathering momentum.
This budget was meant to make us feel safe on the shore; for the time being. The upcoming hard decisions will test the political vision of the Rudd government. Perhaps it was a bad time to win an election.

I don't see much talent or courage eminating from this current Labor Govt.Kevin is the personfication of image over substance.He has given the RBA even more power to drive down our living standards.

Both Kevin and the NSW Govt have not supported the development of Solar power because it will upset the coal and petroleum industries.

Sign Kyoto and make us slaves to the UN and be noddies to big business.Tinkering at the edges of our impotence.