Scott Morrison will inevitably be criticised for not seizing the day in terms of an overdue tax reform agenda. But he will prefer not to squander his strong chance of re-election.
Scott Morrison understands political timing. His visit to a small Australian tech company on Thursday was designed to boost his government's defence spending credentials just ahead of the byelection in NSW on Saturday and just after the government's announcement of an expensive new strategic defence plan.
But the Prime Minister is just as determined to emphasise the temporary nature of much of the spending splurge to combat COVID-19, insisting the government will do what is necessary but also what is responsible.
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Jennifer Hewett is the national affairs columnist. She writes a daily column on politics, business and the economy. Connect with Jennifer on Twitter. Email Jennifer at jennifer.hewett@afr.com
