SA:Painful time ahead for SA treasurer

AAP General News (Australia)
08-19-2010
SA:Painful time ahead for SA treasurer

ADELAIDE, Aug 19 AAP - South Australian Treasurer Kevin Foley is in for a painful time
as he puts the final touches to the state budget, but not just because of SA's finances.

Mr Foley is scheduled to have his wisdom teeth removed next week.

He said he thought he might as well get the two painful experiences - preparing the
budget and the teeth extractions - over at the same time.

"I have been holding off on my wisdom teeth for about six months and they're really,
really aching," he told ABC Radio on Thursday.

"So I'm going squeeze (in) a couple of days off to get my wisdom teeth out."

Mr Foley has forecast bringing down a tough budget on September 16 with significant
cuts to government spending and an increase in state debt.

"Debt is a function of the fact that we are running budget deficits right now," he said.

"So, yes the debt will increase.

"What I will be putting forward to the state is a plan to ensure that we maintain our
triple A credit rating.

"Debt in itself is not a bad thing, provided that it is debt that is going towards
the works program of your state."

Mr Foley said his budget would be hard but responsible.

AAP tjd/apm

KEYWORD: BUDGETSA

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