Our Antipodean Budget Process
Has rules as in the game of chess.
Tradition says he must make The Reply.
Can Tony do it and not tell a lie?

Could he perhaps have more success
By starting his speech with,  “I confess
That unlike Swannie I’m no Grand Master.”
That might help him avoid disaster.

A compliment or two would show finesse,
Would help his image in the press.
But he and Joe, his chief fact checker,
Think it’s better to be a wrecker.

Aussies just don’t care for politesse.
He knows that!  The best way to impress?
To shout and rant about the carbon tax!
It hurts us all!      Who cares about the facts!

This is also a chance for him to obsess
About scandals and slime and Labor’s excess.
Slipper and Thomson!  They’ve helped by stealth
To destroy Australia and steal our wealth!

Yeah!   That should work, but nevertheless,
Tony does regret the need for full day dress.
He’s spent hours with Joe and number jugglers,
If he could only wear his budget speech smugglers!