Budget 2013 - functional, not flashy

Finance Minister Bill English's approach to Budget 2013 was "to spend well, not to spend up". Flashy, no. Functional, yes.

If last year's budget had an edgy feel as the Government tried (successfully) to keep the ratings agencies at bay, this year's budget feels much more comfortable. The fiscal and economic outlook is steadier and the Government has managed to squeeze out of the Treasury a skinny forecast surplus for 2014/2015.
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