The federal government will be targeting Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson's economic credentials after he formally set the opposition on the path to blocking some of the Government's tax changes when they reach the senate.
Dr Nelson's is to go through with his threat and block the government's alcopops tax which he says is nothing more than a tax binge.
In his budget reply speech which was keenly watched as an indication of his future as leader he claimed that the government's budget was used as a sledgehammer against people Labor doesn't like.
Assistant Treasurer Chris Bowen says Dr Nelson is economically irresponsible.
“They threw around money like confetti at a wedding.”
The minor parties in the senate were critical that Dr Nelson offered little in the areas such as climate change, skills shortages and childcare.