http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/newshome/7824659/abbott-wont...

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/newshome/7824659/abbott-wont-release-costings-to-treasury/

"Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's reluctance to bow to one of the main demands of three key independents has put Prime Minister Julia Gillard in the driver's seat to form minority government.

But both leaders have guaranteed Australians won't have to go back to the polls until after August 2013.

Independents Tony Windsor, Bob Katter and Rob Oakeshott - who met with both leaders today - called for a Treasury briefing on the cost of Labor and coalition election policies and the economic outlook.

The call was part of a seven-point roadmap, which also included changes to the running of parliament and elections, and a request for briefings from departmental chiefs, ministers and shadow ministers.

Ms Gillard said she was prepared to consider the release of the costings depending on expert advice, but Mr Abbott told reporters he would only hand over the coalition numbers checked by a private accounting firm.

"It is very difficult for the public service to understand coalition policy with the same depth as government policy," Mr Abbott said.

Ms Gillard said in her written response she was prepared to not only commit to serving her full term, but nominate an election date in late 2013.

"I can guarantee that if an arrangement was struck with us, we would be going full term ... (that) is unequivocal," Ms Gillard told reporters.

Mr Abbott gave a verbal commitment to run full term."



What is Tony afraid of , the truth maybe?