Julia says the word is prudence

Julia Gillard is declaring that she believes in prudent economic management and strong budget surpluses.

”I believe a strong economy is the foundation of everything else that I as Prime Minister want for Australia,” she told reporters in Canbera

“It’s the foundation because I believe that lives are given shape and purpose by the benefits and dignity of work,” she added.

Coming from a Labor Prime Minister, this looked very much like a  declaration in support of  motherhood.

How does it sit, though, with the Rudd expensive stimulus programs, that the Rudd government launched, in the wake of the global economic crisis?

Ms Gillard anticipated that question.

‘When the global crisis struck, the Government did what we had to do,” she said.

“And Australia avoided the recession that hit most advanced economies,” she added.

Ms Gillard couldn’t avoid the temptation to boast, either.

Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, she said:”Australia has come through that global recession with an unemployment rate lower than any of the world’s major advanced economies – yet we are still being tested.

You can expect to hear much more of prudence, though, before the now imminent Federal election.  Not least from Ms Gillard herself.

“I believe that prudent and disciplined economic management is the foundation of good government,” she said.

“The good-quality, essential services that Australians expect can only be sustained by a Government when our public finances are sound,” Ms Gillard added.

Then to complete her case, she said:”Those expecting an old-style, spend-up-big campaign can forget it.

“Any commitments made in the upcoming campaign will not add a single cent – not a cent – to the budget bottom line.

“Any and all commitments we make will be fully costed and funded.”

Older readers may have heard similar declarations in the past.