A multi billion dollar hole is about to be blown in the Rudd government's budget as the Opposition begins drawing up its list of policies to block.
Included in the list is the $2.5 billion tax on light crude oil.
Treasurer Wayne Swan has slammed the move in parliament, saying the coalition is opposing legislation for the sake of it.
"A strong surplus to give the Reserve Bank room to move so we can take pressure off interest rates to get those financial pressures off Australian families," Mr Swan said.
"And what are we getting from those opposite? They're going to vandalise the surplus, at this stage to the tune of $6 billion."
Before the winter break, the Coalition held off on ratifying measures such as the alcopops tax and medicare levy surcharge to allow for further scrutiny.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says if the measures are not passed, Australians will feel the pinch.
"Will they take the side of economic responsibility and side with the government so that we have a strong fiscal buffer for the future?
"Or will they take the path of economic irresponsibility, short term populist politics instead and conduct a populist driven assault on the budget bottom line?"
