Who's keeping count of the pre-budget backdowns? Here's one for your tally board, and probably the last we'll hear before Treasurer Joe Hockey officially delivers the budget tonight:
The Abbott government is walking away from its plan to make young job seekers wait up to six months for the dole.
It's a radical departure from its tough "lifter or leaner" language seen in last year's budget, political reporter Latika Bourke says.
Under 25s could are looking at a 4 week wait to receive the welfare payments if the government has its way, but it's likely to face pushback in the Senate.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott departs question time on Tuesday.Credit: Andrew Meares
Social Services Minister Scott Morrison gets up to spruik the government's $3.5 billion childcare package (which is officially called Jobs for Families).
Mr Morrison says 57 per cent of families go back to work to pay bills and maintain their standard of living. 47 per cent of those who do not return to work do so because of a lack of childcare.
Never fear, though, the government is here to help.
"We're going to make childcare simpler, more affordable, more flexible and more accessible," Mr Morrison tells question time.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Social Services Minister Scott Morrison during question time on Tuesday.Credit: Andrew Meares
The Opposition tries again on paid parental leave.
"It's got to be the right paid parental leave scheme at the right time," Mr Abbott says.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott during question time on Tuesday.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
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Mr Abbott is filling in for Mr Hockey in question time.
He confirms that people in small business will be happy with tonight's budget.
News Corp tabloids reported this morning that the 1.5 per cent tax cut for small businesses would be extended to 1.7 million tradies.
"That is what we do best, we have a go," Mr Abbott says.
Mr Abbott thanks Mr Hockey and everyone who worked on the budget for their work.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott during question time on Tuesday.Credit: Andrew Meares
And here we go.
Treasurer Joe Hockey will be absent from question time due to budget lock-up responsibilities.
Opposition leader Bill Shorten runs through the Prime Minister's various positions on paid parental leave which have ended up in 80,000 women being shut out from the government's scheme.
Mr Shorten: "Australians just want to know Prime Minister, what do you actually believe today?"
Mr Abbott: "I am very committed to paid parental leave. I have got quite a few political bruises due to my commitment to paid parental leave."
Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop during question time on Tuesday.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
Now there is a condolence motion for the former director of the National Gallery of Australia, Betty Churcher, and we will soon hear one for cricket commentator Richie Benaud and a statement on the Queensland floods.
Doesn't leave much time for question time does it?
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Mr Abbott is now moving a condolence motion for former Fraser government minister Michael MacKellar who held Mr Abbott's seat of Warringah from 1969 to 1994 and died earlier this month.
Leader of the House Christopher Pyne arrives for question time on Tuesday.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
