gillard predicts massive porkbarreling

The Federal Opposition says the Government will use the Budget to try to turn around a string of poor poll results.

Labor's support in today's Newspoll has risen again and the Opposition now has a 22-point lead on a two-party preferred basis.

Deputy Opposition Leader Julia Gillard says she is not placing too much importance on the poll.

"We are at the start of a very long race," she said.

"This incumbent Howard Government will use everything at its disposal to try and win the next election.

"We should expect major spending announcements, particularly pork-barrelling in marginal seats."

Federal Treasurer Peter Costello says he is focussing on looking after the national economy.

"When we go into that election we'll be going to the Australian people and putting forward our experience and our policies," he said.

"Of course we note the polls, but it's a long way to polling day at the federal level - it could be six or seven or maybe even eight months [away]."

Dave R.