FED:Parties hit impasse over economic debate

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2010
FED:Parties hit impasse over economic debate

Labor and the coalition are continuing to talk up their economic credentials .. but
neither side can agree on the details of a proposed debate on the issue.

As it stands .. Opposition Leader TONY ABBOTT wants a 30-minute debate tonight hosted
by the ABC .. even though the leaders will be in different locations.

Instead the Prime Minister JULIA GILLARD wants an hour debate tomorrow ahead of a town
hall-style forum in Queensland.

Campaigning today Mr ABBOTT linked a huge welfare reform package to the economy ..

saying the package is aimed at moving Australia from welfare state to opportunity society.

As part of its economic plan .. the coalition says it will look at a program for issuing
infrastructure bonds that could raise up to 20- billion dollars.

With the economy firmly on her agenda today .. Ms GILLARD has urged workers in far
north Queensland to consider how Labor has helped protect jobs by pumping money into the
economy.

AAP RTV so/sb/dcc/af

KEYWORD: POLL10 (CANBERRA)

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