Voters' views on the federal Budget: no longer 'relaxed and comfortable'

Initially, voters were at best dismissive or cynical of Beazley's promise to oppose the tax cuts. However when discussion turned to his promised tax cut and his proposed "Building Australia Fund" voters were very supportive of the plans.

On the plan to oppose the Government's tax cuts:

• "Dear Old Kimmie is doing his usual stunt - God Bless Him!!"
• "… sure it’s not just delaying the inevitable?"
• "Beazley is making a mistake here."
• "I don't think it means much, he and the rest of Oz knows the government gets majority in July."

Labor voters, however, where more supportive of Beazley's stance:

• "He can't win this, but at least he has presented an alternative rather than just criticising the government."
• "Probably good positioning in a political sense - if people in the middle eventually realise they got very little form the budget."
• "It's the best stance Beazley has ever made, the workers will remember the principal (sic) at the next election."

Beazley's own proposed tax cuts received a warmer reception among voters:

• "I agree with Beazley's tax structure."
• "If Beazley can work this out why didn't Costello?"
• "Probably sensible."
• "If we have to have tax cuts Beazley's are preferable."
• "Hope he can do it - but need to know the ALP's plans for the economy."

Similarly, voters were initially attracted to Beazley's "Building Australia Fund" but wanted to know more details.

John Howard v Peter Costello

Voters were contemptuous of the debate surrounding Peter Costello's ambition to lead the Liberal Party and whether or not John Howard should stand down before the next election.

They views were strongly expressed and ranged from dismissively uninterested to outright disgust.

• "Boring and trivial. Who cares?"
• "It is a distraction and I really don't care."
• "Pathetic couple of school boys."
• "John and Peter is like watching two five-year-olds argue over who's Daddy is better!"
• "I think they both need to grow up and run the country and leave the leadership issue to the party to decide."
• "The leader is chosen by vote, it is not a decision between Howard and Costello."
• "They are both detestable. Who cares?"

Unfortunately for the would-be Prime Minister much of the vitriol was directed towards Costello. Voters thought he should "put up or shut up" and or were very critical of his view that he deserved the leadership.