It seems as though Rudd's (stolen) stimuls package is more...

It seems as though Rudd's (stolen) stimuls package is more concerned with handouts than actual stimulation. Giving a rise to age pensions is well and truely due, no arguements there, but is a concept stolen from the Opposition. Guaranteeing bank accounts, stolen from the Opposition.

But I don't see Rudd granting more purchasing ability to mainstream Australians. No further tax cuts and bringing foward of futures ones, no freezing of the fuel excise (like in 1990), no further boosting to superannuation (in the face of market turmoil). Tax cuts, like in the US, are vital to stimulate consumer activity and keep the domestic economy afloat. Age pension increases, while welcome and well deserved, will have negligible impact on the economy. Pensioners are doing it tough right now, and a mere $30 per week permits these poor devils to now eat 3 square meals instead of 2. It's very presumptuous of the pollies and journos to say that giving pensioners a few bucks extra will stimulate the economy.

Giving one off payments to other welfare dependents....who knows how this will be spent. If it's just for the sake of stimulus, what a lame strategy to take. Better off giving working families a tax cut as this would have a more widespread effect. And new spending on infrastructure projects....only benefit the few. At this point in time, everyone needs help, and what better way to do it than simply cutting income tax!