Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson's hold on the top job will be closely scrutinised tonight when he delivers his reply to the budget.
With response to Labor's first budget in 13 years being generally positive -- all eyes will be on Brendan Nelson tonight when he gets to his feet and makes his formal reply
The opposition has already labelled the budget as high taxing high spending.
A theme Dr Nelson will again push.
“I certainly won’t be putting more pressure on Australian families, in fact I’ll be proposing considerably less,” he told reporters today.
The Government says his challenge is to clarify his position on the spending cuts in place, including means testing the baby bonus.
Assistant Treasurer Chris Bowen says so far, they're making little sense on very sensitive issues.
“His leadership is in trouble, but he shouldn’t use that as an excuse,” Mr Bowen said.
“He should provide sensible, alternative plans. We need to know where they stand as the alternative government of the nation.”
Some of Dr Nelson's colleagues have set the budget as the time to reassess where the party is heading.
The Opposition and the minor parties are also looking at the levy on alcopops, which could mean it being blocked in the senate.
The Opposition has labelled it a blatant tax grab.
