Fed: Budget deficit unnecessary, says Crean

AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-2001
Fed: Budget deficit unnecessary, says Crean

Opposition treasury spokesman SIMON CREAN says pushing the budget into deficit shouldn't
be necessary because the surplus should now be generous.

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD said yesterday he isn't attracted to running a small budget deficit.

Economists have suggested the May 22 budget would be an opportunity to run a small
budget deficit to stimulate the economy.

Mr CREAN'S told ABC Radio that three years ago the forecast for the surplus this year
was supposed to have been $11 billion but now the PM says it's barely going to be a surplus.

He says the government is mismanaging the Australian economy.

AAP RTV fh/hn/

KEYWORD: BUDGET CREAN (CANBERRA)

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