Australian opposition seeks details of economic stimulus

16/10/2008 14:14:21

Australia's federal opposition says the government must release the economic advice on its plan to pump billions of dollars into the economy, so its effect on interest rates and inflation is clear.

The opposition supports the principle of the $AUS10.5 billion spending plan but the shadow treasurer, Julie Bishop, is insisting that the government must release the economic data used to work out the package and how the policies will impact, for instance,on inflation and interest rates.

The treasurer, Wayne Swan, says that information will come in the mid-year economic outlook next month.

But he says the scheme is designed to protect everyone in australia from the effects of the global financial turmoil.

"What this is all about is avoiding the worse consequence of what could happen," he said.

"But his advice is that growth in the australian economy should remain positive."

Produced by Radio Australia and Australia Network