The only restraint on spending Labor had was the desire to change the voters low perceptions of Labor's ability with respect to economic management between it and the coalition, by achieving a surplus.

Now having failed at achieving even their modest goal of a surplus in a growing economy, and combined with the policy failures on border protection, education, health, and defence, Labor has no positive record to take to the coming election.

Spending wildly helped get them over the line in 2010, they will be tempted to try it again.

That is good that you admit we have a growing economy. Swan already said the savings are still on, two quarters to go yet.
Does splurging money buy votes.
I think people just want stable employment, and good outlook.

Usually SM I would agree with you, however, Mr Carr has spilled some very harmful words that will haunt them at any hint of spending money they quite simply dont have.

As I see it, that one sentence, "you just can't spend money you don't have" has all but sealed labor's fait come the next election, which by the way I think will be as late as possible.

They can't splash money around, as there's none left.

They can't run a negative campaign, cause their record is all about failures.

In fact, the only thing they could do is fix the illegals problem. An unlikely event given their alliance with the greens.

Now if they did fix the problem, then that would be just great, but I'm not holding my breath.

So in a nut shell, I recon they're screwed.

rehctub,

Of course they'll splash more money around. After all, they've already spent billions they didn't have in the coffers. Does anyone honestly believe they're not prepared to change their habits?

My thought is that they won't care how much more will be spent prior to an election.

If they lose, oh well, Libs will have just that much more debt to deal with.
If they win, it will prove that the populace can't see further than the end of their noses, and have extremely short memories.

What's the old saying - there are none so blind as those who refuse to see?
May have misquoted that, but you get my drift.

Congrats SM on having the front to posat5 such uninformed rubbish so often in 2012.
And secondary for convincing your self you are right

worldwatcher - I will agree with you on this one but they will probably make outlandish promises that they have not intention of keeping if by a fluke they are re-elected (No carbon tax)

Also in my opinion apart from the way you suggest there only chance is if the Liberals do or say something very stupid, Labor would win by the liberals putting there foot in there mouth.

rehctub - they will lie and blame everyone else.

Belly - Quote "Congrats SM on having the front to posat5 such uninformed rubbish so often in 2012" Now if you elaborate as to what rubbish the gentleman may be able to address your concerns but your comment is so vague as to be of no relevance.
What can I say but you are die hard Labor and will go down with the ship.

579 - Quote "Does splurging money buy votes." YES it does and it has been proven the world over in many countries.