News Service from House Harris

Fed:Opp'n must support savings if wants increased pension :Swan

CANBERRA, May 13 AAP - The federal opposition will have to support the government's budget savings if it supports pension reform, Treasurer Wayne Swan said.

Tuesday's budget increased the single pension by $32 a week, while it flagged $22 billion of savings during the next four years.

"This is a budget that charts the way back to surplus and puts in place the necessary savings that are required," Mr Swan told parliament.

The opposition had not nominated one saving they would make in the face of a $210 billion writedown of revenues over the forward estimates.

"They say they support pensions," he said.

"Well if they support the pensions and the good things that come with the budget, they will have to support the savings that come with it.

"The weight is on the opposition to nominate where they would make savings."