Even if sceptics argue nothing else has been achieved, at least Gillard has dragged Australia towards a more equitable tax system.
Labor has ventured into what is regarded as no-man's land. Even the mighty USA where narrow interests are growing stronger, have blocked fairer distribution and reformist policies at every turn.
Westpac chief Gail Kelly has little to gain by speaking up for the Gillard government. The simple explanation is that businesses that look beyond profits would acknowledge the key to long term viability is to ensure a cooperative, stable and conducive environment.
The 2012-13 budget has tried to shift some burden of tax to the wealthy, taken away some medicare benefits from higher income households, and redistributed some allowance to the lower income families. This does not preclude criticisms from professionals, many of whom serve businesses, of scoring points and postponing vital boost to the economy. Glad that we are no where near European state of affairs, when the whole world is just praying that the ship does not sink to the bottom.
The likes of Kelly are rare. But they do exist. Take Warren Buffett, the world's second richest man, for instance, who supports raising taxes on the rich and urged the government to do more for the poor. While bankers have been vilified since the GFC, Kelly is worth listening for a moment.
Is there a better alternative to Labor government? Most likely we would be worse off. Would destructive Tony Abbott who seem to have gained from the negative image of the Gillard government make a better PM? I really doubt it but the danger of a worse scenario is not unforeseeable. There are few good men in the opposition Liberals as well.
Get off Gillard's back, urges Westpac chief
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Kelly's stance is in sharp contrast to some of her peers in big business, particularly in the mining industry, who have been publicly at loggerheads with Ms Gillard's government over policy issues.
In an apparent dig at miners who have campaigned against the mining tax, Mrs Kelly blasted businesses that she said were attempting to ''run an agenda through third parties or the media''.
This approach was not conducive to economic reform, she said.
Westpac has also faced criticism for job cuts at the bank.
''She [Ms Gillard] stepped into the role. She does listen, I can tell you from personal experience,'' Mrs Kelly said. ''Even if you have a different starting point she will listen. And I really respect that in politicians.''
Mrs Kelly said she had had a number of ''robust discussions'' with Ms Gillard on policy issues where they may not have agreed. ''But we work our way through them and there's a very healthy respect.''
The banks argue the higher cost of raising funds - both from offering attractive rates to depositors and raising money on global wholesale markets - is forcing them to hold back some of the reduction in official interest rates.
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