Looks like MYEFO says that the cash surplus hasn't changed, still $2.1bn. But take a look at the fiscal surplus, which takes into account when a transaction occurs (ie. when the good/service is provided) and not merely the cash transaction (which can be easily changed by a treasurer by shifting spending from June to July or vice versa, thus boosting this years surplus at the expense of last or next years - which few people care about) and you'll find quite a surprise.
Ignoring the fact that it has again slipped into deficit for the second year in a row, it has fallen by $700m. With a slowing economy I find it hard to believe that the government could maintain it's surplus at the same amount without either cutting spending, increasing taxes or boosting the surplus through timing differences which would increase the cash surplus, but not the fiscal.
The government is also predicting a rapid recovery in the global economy. While I don't see this comming, it is debatable on both sides and I will allow their prediction of rising exports leading to higher tax revenue to go theough with little argument on my part.
I'm done with my rant on the budget. Oh, and the current government *is* the highest taxing government on record, but they use fuzzy accounting to try to cover it up. If anyone wants me to, I'll make a post to show you why.
Other than that, I rekon the current government has been doing an adequate job!
