Some may say budget ‘dull’, but it is nothing to laugh about

There has never been a more exciting time to buy your child an investment property.

The ABC’s Leigh Sales interviews Treasurer Scott Morrison, 7.30, Tuesday:

When we look at the key economic data — inflation growth, spending, the deficit — don’t voters have to ask themselves, what has been the point of three years of this government?

The ABC’s unofficial press agents nod in furious agreement. Headline, The Sydney Morning Herald’swebsite, yesterday:

‘What was the point of your three years in government?’: Sales unleashes on Morrison

If the budget were any harsher, these two might have to consider going on the pension. Malcolm Turnbull speaks to Karl Stefanovic, Nine Network’s Today, yesterday:

The reality is that overall people on high incomes like myself, and indeed yourself, Karl, will be paying more tax one way or another as a result of this.

(Jon) Faine outrage. The Prime Minister shares a light moment with the Melbourne ABC radio host, yesterday morning:

Turnbull: Well, are your kids locked out of the housing market?

Faine: Yes.

Turnbull: Well you should shell out for them, a wealthy man like you.

Faine (laughing): Well that’s what they say!

Turnbull: Exactly!

Not everyone thought it funny. The Guardian Australia’s Katherine Murphy plays it straight on Twitter, yesterday:

The PM thinks if Jon Faine’s kids are locked out of the housing market, the radio host should kick in.

Bill Shorten taking up the theme in question time later in the day:

Is that really the Prime Minister’s advice for young Australians struggling to buy their first home, have rich parents?

Speaking of laughs, Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese may want to keep the day job. AAP, yesterday:

We didn’t see Budget 2016, we saw Fudge-it 2016.

Seven Sunrise host David Koch, yesterday, rounding up the papers and barely finding a chuckle:

A lot of the newspapers are saying this is a dull budget.

Winner of the Indiana primary and presumptive Republican nominee for president Donald Trump gets conspiratorial, Tuesday:

(Ted Cruz’s) father was with Lee Harvey Oswald prior to Oswald’s being — you know, shot. I mean, the whole thing is ridiculous … What is this, right prior to his being shot, and nobody even brings it up. They don’t even talk about that. That was reported, and nobody talks about it. I mean, what was he doing — what was he doing with Lee Harvey Oswald shortly before the death? Before the shooting? It’s horrible.

Trump’s Republican rival Cruz hits back below the belt, yesterday:

He’s proud of being a serial philanderer. I want everyone to think about teenage kids. (Trump) describes his battles with venereal disease as his “own personal Vietnam”. That’s a quote, by the way.

The poor Cruzes can’t shake the conspiracy theories. Headline, VanityFair.com, Tuesday:

Heidi Cruz: My Husband is Not the Zodiac Killer.

Too little, too late. Cruz speaks to supporters yesterday:

With a heavy heart but with boundless optimism for the long-term future of our nation, we are suspending our campaign.