Shadow Finance Minister Andrew Robbs continued determination to trash talk the Australian economy has reached fever pitch, as the Liberals try to divert attention from the fact that they oppose tax cuts for business.
This morning, Mr Robb confirmed that the Opposition has walked away from its 2010 election promise to cut company tax by 1.5 percent:

We're not going to introduce a tax cut paid by a tax increase but we will reserve the right to bring in a modest corporate tax cut and once we've seen this budget and more we'll be able to put a figure on it.

ABC NEWS 16 MARCH 2012

As Mr Robb blitzed morning radio with another relentless negative attack on Australias economy this morning, former leader John Hewson admitted the Liberals are doubting their finance spokesperson:

On performance, Abbott shouldnt let Robb anywhere near the economic or financial numbers

AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL REVIEW 16 MARCH 2012

I mean I personally wouldnt let Andrew Robb anywhere near an economic number because he mumbles and bumbles along and makes a mess of it.

SKY NEWS 16 MARCH 2012

Andrew Robb will have to return to his electorate and tell 23,000 small businesses that he will vote against tax breaks for them. Hell also have to tell 41,000 workers in Goldstein that he voted against increasing their retirement savings.
But thats no excuse for trash talking our economy. As Mr Robb knows full well, Australias economic fundamentals are strong - weve got solid growth, low unemployment, contained inflation and very low debt.
Australia has been awarded the AAA rating from all three global ratings agencies for the first time in Australias history something never achieved by the Liberals and Peter Costello.
Even Tony Abbott brags about Australias economy:

. Our net government debt, Commonwealth and state, about 8 per cent of GDP; our collective budget deficits just under four per cent of GDP and net interest payments just under 2 per cent of government outlays.

On the face of this comparative performance, Australia has serious bragging rights. Compared to most developed countries, our economic circumstances are enviable.

SPEECH TO THE LONDON EXCHANGE 11 NOVEMBER 2011

Todays negativity comes from an Opposition whose Treasury spokesperson admitted a $70 billion hole in the Liberals budget and whose policies change on a daily basis and depending on whos speaking.
It is time for Andrew Robb and the Liberal Party to put Australias economic interests first and stop talking Australia down.