The head of an international accounting body has launched a scathing attack on the leadership of the federal government.
He believes the coalition is stuck in survival mode which is preventing much needed reform.
As Tony Abbott celebrates two years of his prime ministership, CPA Australia chief executive Alex Malley says the government has underperformed on most measures at a time when voters are crying out for leadership.
He said tax reform is "frankly all over the place", with initiatives randomly ruled in and out.
"For all intents and purposes it's dead," he told AAP on Monday, adding that there had been more leadership from premiers Mike Baird and Jay Weatherill in a case of the "tail wagging the dog".
He said no amount of spin can paper over the fact that unemployment is higher than when the government came to office, rising while it is in decline in other countries.
On Treasurer Joe Hockey, he said the first budget was "socially naive and poorly communicated", while the second was only rescued by Small Business Minister Bruce Billson's $20,000 instant asset write-off stimulus package.
Mr Malley predicted the third budget as being nothing surer than a pre-election "marshmallow affair".
He regarded the free trade agreement with China as the government's only achievement that will be good for jobs and future prosperity, and that was thanks to Trade Minister Andrew Robb.
He said good leadership builds confidence and that when you are believed and respected you can get on with the job.
"When you can't, you're looking over your shoulder, stuck in survival mode and the critical reforms we're all looking for go by the wayside," Mr Malley warned.
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