Govt still uncertain of stimulus votes

The federal government is still in the dark if it will be able to secure enough
votes in the Senate to get its $42 billion economic stimulus package through the
parliament.
Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull - who opposes the package in its current form -
has offered to sit down with the government to discuss his problems with measures
aimed at staving off recession.
"What we want to do ... is sit down with (Prime Minister Kevin) Rudd and talk to him
with a view to reaching agreement on a package that is acceptable to both the
government and the opposition," he told Network Ten.
Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard dismissed the offer.
"What is left to talk about?" she told ABC TV.
Without backing from the coalition, the government will need the support of the five
Australian Greens senators, independent Nick Xenophon and Family First senator Steve
Fielding to pass its package of stimulus bills.
Ms Gillard said the government was keen to talk to the crossbench senators in a
"responsible way".
The Australian Greens have been in discussions with the government but have not yet
won concessions that would guarantee its support for the nation building and jobs
plan.
Greens leader Bob Brown described the talks so far as "accommodating" but confirmed
the party had not yet won any concessions.
"We won't settle that until later in the week," Senator Brown told reporters.
The Greens want the government to firm up its commitment to seniors and carers, by
way of an increase to the base pension rates.
They also want the government to relax rules requiring people who lose their jobs
dip into their savings before receiving welfare.
Senator Fielding remains committed to setting aside $4 billion to create 100,000
jobs in local communities.
He has asked Treasury to do some modelling on the idea before deciding whether he
will put forward a formal proposal.
"This plan would help keep families in their homes and be useful to their
community," he said in a statement.
"We are hoping Treasury will have that information for us tomorrow morning.
"Family First has consulted with the government, local government and charities on
the idea, and will continue talks this week."
A Senate inquiry into the legislation will continue hearings in Canberra on Monday
before reporting on Tuesday.
The Senate will then debate the legislation before it goes to a vote on Thursday.
Treasury Secretary Ken Henry will make another appearance before the committee on
Monday afternoon.
The committee will also hear from Economist Warwick McKibbon, a member of the
Reserve Bank board, the ACTU, the Australian Retailers' Association and the
Australian Council for Social Services.
Dr Henry has endorsed the timing and size of the new stimulus package, and believes
the government's original $10.4 billion worth of measures have helped support the
economy.
Mr Turnbull continues to dispute the effectiveness of the first package.
"There is no evidence for that (the effectiveness of the first stimulus package),"
he said.
Mr Turnbull also took issue with suggestions that recent public appearances by
former treasurer Peter Costello were a sign that he may again be interested in the
Liberal leadership.
"He (Costello) has made it very clear he is not interested in a frontbench ... or
indeed a leadership position," he said.