The federal government is talking Australia into recession, the opposition says.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has warned the budget may have to go into deficit if the deteriorating global economy impacts further on Australian growth.
The economy is predicted to grow between one and two per cent next year.
Liberal MP Andrew Robb said the government is irresponsibly talking the economy into recession.
"They (the government) are setting Australian up for a deficit," Mr Robb told ABC Television.
"There is no inevitability about a deficit... but run the white flag up now then it will lead to a deficit, it will lead to a recession.
"Kevin Rudd and (Treasurer) Wayne Swan are talking Australia into a recession... it is really irresponsible."
Mr Robb said urgent action is needed to unlock hundreds of billions of dollars in superannuation funds.
He said the government failed to address this important measure at Saturday's meeting of state and federal governments.
"There's not a problem with cash, there's mountains of cash out there - there's no liquidity, it's locked up."
"They did not even address it yesterday, it was a huge lost opportunity."
