$9.7bn disparity in Australian opposition pledges

Australia’s opposition leader says his coalition group still has the best plan for running the country’s economy.

Tony Abbott made the assertion despite figures published by independent lawmakers claiming he had overstated savings from election promises by up to $9.7 billion.

Observers said Thursday it could undermine Abbott’s bid to become prime minister of Australia’s first minority government since World War II after August 21 elections failed to deliver any party a majority.

The figures were compiled after three independents had requested information from Treasury and Finance ministry officers on confidential estimates of competing election pledges.

The independents are deciding whether to support Abbott or the caretaker Labor Party government.