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Day 11 on the campaign trail

Julia Gillard has defended herself against allegations that she had opposed parental leave and pension increase plans when they were first mooted by cabinet.

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By Gabrielle Procter

Source: SBS


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She told reporters she was "not a soft option," and that she simply liked to consider policies that would cost taxpayers money before endorsing them.

Meanwhile, Kevin Rudd's spokesman has denied that the former prime minister was behind the leaks.

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In other policy announcements, the Coalition said it would reduce the rate of company tax to 28.5 per cent from July 1, 2013 if it wins the election.

Responding to the promised tax cut, Treasurer Wayne Swan said Tony Abbott would be the first Australian political leader to propose raising and lower company taxes simultaneously, referring to a proposed 1.7 per cent levy on firms to pay for parental leave payments.

In good news for the Labor party, CPI figures showed a lower than expected rise, making it less likely that the Reserve Bank will raise interest rates next week.

Finally, the Greens launched a campaign to convince voters they could get double-value for their ballot by exercising their own choice and voting “below the line”.


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