Treasurer Joe Hockey is pressing on with getting his budget measures through the Senate, after again condemning the Labor opposition for blocking his savings plans.
"Now they've gone into opposition they are opposing everything we are doing," Mr Hockey told the Nine Network on Thursday.
"When we were in opposition we supported 80 per cent of their savings.
"We've just got to press on ... it's a marathon not a sprint and we are very focused on doing what is right over the medium and long term for the nation."
The government's plans to impose a $7 GP visit co-payment is one of the budget sticking points for Labor.
Asked about the political influence of the Palmer United Party bloc in the Senate, Mr Hockey said the balance of power party had been "put in this position" because Labor and the Australian Greens were opposing "everything" the government was doing.
Asked about his threat on Wednesday to look for other savings measures that by-passed the senate, Mr Hockey said the government was working hard to get what it laid on the table through the parliament.
He agreed some of his budget measures meant Australians would have to make sacrifices.
"I know there are things in this budget that are difficult for everyday Australians," Mr Hockey said.
"But also I know if we don't move now it (the budget position) is going to get worse."
Mr Hockey dismissed reports he was facing internal party criticism for saying he would find further savings that didn't require legislation as "just a report of a rumour".
"You just shouldn't believe rumours," he told the Nine Network.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/24480985/hockey-makes-case-for-his-budget-again/
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