It was certainly a sound “pre-election budget”, in the sense that it was one that contained few surprises.

As usual with these things, most of the detail had already been leaked, in a bid to gauge public support for, or against, measures being proposed.

This is a strategic move governments hope will give them strength going into budget day, not to mention ahead of an important federal election.

We knew about the tobacco tax, we knew about the tax threshold changes for middle income earners, we knew about what was in store for small business, and even the $1.2 billion which will be made available for needs-based school funding.

Well short of the $4.5 billion Labor is promising, but it is a win of sorts for those who had feared further cuts.

Labor leader Bill Shorten will deliver his budget reply tonight, when he’ll be aiming to give voters an alternative to the promises of the Liberal/National Coalition and set his party up as the preferred economic managers for this country’s future prosperity.

Again, some of what he’ll be saying is already out there, as well documented party policy.

Behind the scenes there’ll be some frantic goings on in these final days. 

His party faithful will be telling him it’s absolutely critical that he gets it right, with an election result depending on it.

The budget reply is not just a chance for the opposition to set out its hopes and dreams for the future, but also to convince the broader public it has the solutions. 

Once that plan is delivered, it’s up to us to have a say. 

Who do we believe is best placed to take this great land of ours above and beyond. 

Bring it on!