abbott destroyed on 7.30 report, page-280

Was Abbott caught in a contradiction last night when he claimed (based on 1 economist) that fiscal policy didn't save Australia from recession?
But then acknowledged that the Coalition if in power would have provided economic stimulus via fiscal policy.

Also, there has been little mention of Government debt on this thread which was discussed in detail on the 7:30 report. Is that because we have realised that the coalition would have had debt too? I agree they would not have spent as much, but the 'drunken sailor' line seems to be overdone.