Integrated infrastructure and realpolitik

摘要

On Tuesday 13 May, federal treasurer Wayne Swan introduced his first budget to the House of Representatives and the broader Australian audience. The following day he faced a full house in the Great Hall of Parliament House in the now traditional, nationally . televised National Press Club address. While initial public reaction to the budget was generally complimentary, more detailed probing revealed some question marks, particularly in the areas of social security and health services. As was expected, there were significant announcements in respect of infrastructure, but these were largely glossed over in the general media with the greater attention being afforded the more headline-grabbing announcements.