Independent MPs say Labor’s budget should pass through Parliament

Independent MPs Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor say Labor’s budget should pass through Parliament.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard relies on the support of the independents to pass its legislation in the lower house.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan handed down the budget last night, forecasting a surplus of $1.5 billion for 2012/13.

Rob Oakeshott said it was a tight budget in a “tight Parliament”.

“Personally, I think it will pass,” Oakeshott told Sky News.

“I will be really interested to see the coalition’s response to some of the measures in there,” he said.

Tony Windsor also said he believed the budget would pass through the lower house.

“I don’t think there will be much risk in doing that, maybe some minor modifications,” Windsor said.