Joe Hockey reckons his latest budget has been well received by the Australian public, but a group of protesters in Tasmania have let him know they're not impressed.
Day three of his national road trip to sell the budget saw the treasurer touch down in Launceston on Friday afternoon, where he visited a wharf to take a short trip on a fishing vessel and chat with its owner, a small business operator.
But as Mr Hockey arrived, he was confronted by protesters waving placards, demanding answers over what they argue is a shortfall in health funding that threatens the operation of a local facility.
"Let's get you a cigar so you can celebrate these people being thrown out in the street," one woman yelled at Mr Hockey.
Clearly keen for a quick cast off, the treasurer jumped aboard the boat where he held a press conference that had been planned for shore.
He championed his budget and derided Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's reply, while commending the captain on the cleanliness of his boat used for cray fishing.
"It's a terrific public response ... fantastic response," Mr Hockey said of Australia's reaction to his budget.
"People want to hear a positive message about the future but they also want it backed by real policy and that's what we've done.
"Mr Shorten's proposals, they just don't stack up."
And how is the reaction compared with 2014?
"Oh look, we had to build on last year."
There was no cigar in sight, but Mr Hockey had something else in mind.
"All we need is a beer, some prawns and a barbie," he said.
But as the boat neared shore the protesters' chants could again be heard.
Their presence meant Mr Hockey canned plans for a walk around Launceston's city streets to chat with small business operators.
Health and Community Services Union secretary Robbie Moore was among the protesters and was disappointed to learn their presence had inspired the cancellation of the treasurer's events.
"I would be encouraging him to talk to small business because I think they will be giving him the same message as us."
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