Budget 2016: Tony Abbott will help the sell, says Howard

Former prime minister John Howard has insisted his conservative protege will would help sell Malcolm Turnbull’s budget.

John Howard, left, and Kim Beazley discuss the budget in Brisbane. Picture: Tara Croser

Former prime minister John Howard has insisted his conservative protege Tony Abbott would help sell Malcolm Turnbull’s budget and has declared a royal commission into the banks “stupid”.

Speaking at a post-budget breakfast in Brisbane yesterday, Mr Howard said the budget was economically responsible in the global context of sluggish growth.

“I think Scott Morrison did a very good job of juggling the politics and the economics,” Mr Howard said.

He praised the budget’s focus on small business and said he backed the restoration of help for young people into work.

“I have every sympathy for a prime minister and a treasurer who want to bring down a responsible economic document, but also do it in a way that optimises their chances of electoral success,” Mr Howard said.

Recently retired US ambassador and former Labor deputy prime minister Kim Beazley said Mr Morrison’s first budget was indicative of a man with little room to move.

“The budget was a budget of a man surrounded,” Mr Beazley said. “I don’t think it’s a negative at all for the government.”

Asked what role deposed prime minister Mr Abbott would play, Mr Howard said he was sure he was on board.

“I think what happened to Tony Abbott was bruising,” Mr Howard said. “(But Mr Abbott) stayed in and he wants to make a contribution.”

Mr Howard also said any banking royal commission would be “stupid” and would send an “unfortunate” message to the world about the institutions that helped the Australian economy through the global financial crisis.