Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has outlined what he believes will be three key economic election battlegrounds.
Delivering a speech to an economic symposium organised by the Whitlam Institute on Thursday, Mr Swan said the responsible management of the economy would be a central focus for voters.
"The ability to strengthen the economy and ensuring that benefits are delivered to working people would be two other central features," he said.
Mr Swan said Opposition Leader Tony Abbott held extreme views that divided communities, and accused the opposition of "sniping and carping" while the Gillard government attempts to ensure the long-term growth of the economy.
The treasurer also defended the government's mining tax proposals, saying it was a "great deal for Australians" that would strengthen the economy.
"I'm very optimistic about the future of our economy, the future of our society. Very optimistic indeed," Mr Swan said.
There would be very clear differences between the Gillard government and the opposition going forward, the treasurer added.
Mr Swan made no comment relating to possible election dates during his 25-minute speech.
There was a big government agenda to help impoverished communities and unemployed workers, Mr Swan said.
"There's a massive welfare reform agenda out there, which I don't think gets the attention it deserves," Mr Swan said.
He was responding to a question about how the government's financial policies would help society's most vulnerable.
But Mr Swan conceded it would take time to put some measures into place.
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