Labor: The insulation scheme was a mess by any measure, perhaps costing 1-2b. The waste on getting the stimulus package out quickly was about 5-6% (700m) with about 95% being spent efficiently. 97.3% were completed without a complaint. The total stimulus package was estimated to add about 2% to employment. This translates to 200 000 people not receiving welfare and more importantly still paying tax. Do the maths. At the end of Labor's term, we have near full employment, interest rates at the L/T average, tax cuts 3 years in a row and a tiny deficit to be repaid within 3 years. Remember, it is tax receipts, not government spending, that accounts for the overwhelming majority of a deficit. Don't know what people have to complain about. Look at the rest of the world, if you need reassurance.
Abbots: In one fell swoop Abbott has pledged to dwarf the much discussed waste of the stimulus package. His quasi-broadband proposal promises to deliver speeds "UP TO" 12 mbs (compared to up to a gig with fibre optic)and only if you use the internet at 3 in the morning when no-one else is. All the tech experts have pointed out that the technology is already obselete, very slow and not readily upgradeable. If he gets in, that's 6b in waste before he gets going. The whole thing will need to be ripped up and replaced ASAP, if Australia is to keep pace. Be careful what you wish for people. This guy's seriously dopey. Just ask Hewson & Costello.
