Australians favour services over surplus

On online poll of more than 1000 people has found only 12% of respondents preferred a return to surplus at the expense of government services.

The Essential Research survey found that 73% of respondents thought the government should delay the return to surplus and instead maintain services and investment.

The figures have changed little over the past five months, according to Essential Research.

Greens leader Bob Brown says the result aligns with the Greens’ views.

“The public knows that a budget surplus spells widespread job losses and is unnecessary when the income options of a stronger mining tax, ending fossil fuel subsidies and forgoing corporate tax cuts are readily available,” Brown says.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Treasurer Wayne Swan say the government will make budget cuts to achieve a surplus in 2012/13.