Tanner hints at tax cuts

Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner has hinted the government could cut taxes to try to
stave off a recession.
Mr Tanner says the government will push ahead with another economic stimulus package
to boost the economy, if it's necessary.
The last package involved cash handouts. The next one could mean tax cuts.
"The options that are in the mix at any time will involve either increased spending
or reduced taxation," Mr Tanner told ABC Television on Thursday.
"At any given time for a government in these circumstances those options are open,"
he said.
"I don't rule things in, rule them out, whatever, they're options that are available
there for the budget."
He said some tax cuts were due to come into effect in the next budget anyway, and
noted there was speculation about whether those cuts should be brought forward.
Mr Tanner pulled no punches on the dangers ahead for the Australian economy.
"We are in completely uncharted territory here economically."
Mr Tanner said the federal budget surplus was smaller than previously predicted, but
it was still in the black.
"The government on the latest figures believes the budget remains in surplus ... I
would necessarily say wafer-thin, but it's getting pretty tight."