Dr Cullen may be a little upset that the average tax cut of $16 per week is being compared to the cost of a block of cheese. That was not what the money was intended for. With a recent "investment" of $9 million dollars in the racing industry, and a state monopoly on lotteries, he was no doubt hoping gambling would be on the increase. Well, I hope he's cheesed off.
The budget looks to be a rather pathetic effort, with a small tax deduction around election time, and others kicking in over the next three years.
Problem is, last time Cullen promised to up the tax thresholds, he turned around and cancelled them.
Given that Labour's budget didn't really address any plans for growth; for interest rate abatement; and for tackling energy issues, there's every excuse Labour's bad economic management will force some serious belt tightening in 2009.
Question is, will it be government that is asked to tighten their belts, or the tax payers, pensioners, students and beneficiaries? If I was a gambling man, I'd lay odds on the latter group doing the Jenny Craig.
How about you? Wanna bet?