Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Treasurer Joe Hockey in awkward pre-Budget photo op

WELL that was painful. The PM and Treasurer staged a press call to discuss the Federal Budget, but the results couldn’t have been more cringe-worthy.

AS awkward moments go, it doesn’t get much worse than this.

Tony Abbott cringingly reaching out to touch Joe Hockey on the arm as a congratulations for working on the federal budget.

On television, it looked as though the Prime Minister went to shake Mr Hockey’s hand and was refused.

But we’re assured, by those in the room, it was simply an arm touch.

Mr Abbott and Mr Hockey were discussing the Budget in the Prime Minister’s office this morning as part of a “picture opportunity” one week out from the release of the document.

Only cameras were allowed in. No journalists.

However, instead of turning it on for the cameras, both men had about as much enthusiasm as a wet dish rag.

Mr Hockey looked bored, and Mr Abbott was perhaps wishing he was elsewhere.

Mr Hockey hardly looked at the Prime Minister, instead nodding and staring down at the budget documents.

Both seemed as though they were struggling to find exciting things to say about the Federal Budget.

“I think we’re building on a good foundation,” Mr Abbott said.

Mr Hockey said: “it is the right budget for the right times and I’m glad we’ve got most of it nailed down”.

“We’re just entering the data and going to print over the weekend,” he said.

Reaching out to touch Mr Hockey’s arm, the Prime Minister said: “You’ve done a terrific job mate”.

Mr Hockey looked slightly awkward and replied: “Thanks mate. I’ve had the help of the entire team”.

“I’ve still got the candle to burn make sure the Is are dotted and Ts are crossed.”

Perhaps his apparent lack of enthusiasm was simply because Mr Hockey has been burning the candle at both ends and is simply tired from all his work on the budget.

The encounter was reminiscent of an awkward meeting between Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard after Ms Gillard ousted Mr Rudd as PM.

The pair were filmed at a picture opportunity in Brisbane in 2010.

Footage from the encounter showed no eye contact and between Mr Rudd and Ms Gillard as they looked at maps of Queensland electorates and discussed the election campaign.

Originally published as Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Treasurer Joe Hockey in awkward pre-Budget photo op