'Fly Away Peter': Phillips to miss Shaw's address

Opposition spokesman on Finance, Dr Peter Phillips will not be present at Gordon House on Thursday for the opening of the budget debate by Finance Minister Audley Shaw.

Phillips, in a press release on Thursday, said he would be unavoidably absent due to an important previously-scheduled family commitment overseas.

Shaw will outline in parliament the revenue sources from which the $580 billion budget will be funded. He is expected to reveal how the Government plans to raise billions of dollars to fund the controversial $1.5 million tax plan.

Phillips reportedly wrote a letter to Shaw, prior to his departure, expressing regret at his unavoidable absence. Shaw replied, expressing his understanding to the former finance minister, said the release.