Govt preparing to cut spending: Labor

The Federal Opposition says the Government is preparing to cut Budget programs in areas such as health and education despite projections of strong revenue growth.

Cabinet is meeting in Sydney today for the final time this year, though ministers deny Budget talks are on the agenda.

Opposition treasury spokesman Wayne Swan says it shows the folly of the Government's $66 billion election spending commitments.

"We heard nothing about these cuts during the election campaign," Mr Swan said.

"Yet now there is speculation about cuts to families, health and education.

"One thing you can say about the Howard Government - they give with one hand before the election and they take even more back with the other after the election."

By Society Not War 13 December 04

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