Prime Minister Julia Gillard will talk about her government's economic record when she gives her first address as leader to the National Press Club today, steadily checking off her to-do list ahead of setting a date for the polls.
Treasurer Wayne Swan gave an update on the nation's economic health, which revealed Australia was on track to return to surplus within three years, and with a $3.1bn surplus, $2bn more than anticipated.
Analysts say the comprehensive nature of the statement suggests the groundwork for a pre-election economic and fiscal outlook has already been done.
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The outlook is part of the charter of budget honesty, and has to be released 10 days after an election is called.
Ms Gillard has indicated another problem area she wants to tackle as a priority is climate change, and the government is believed to be now finalising its position after lengthy cabinet discussions.

