For Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, yesterday was meant to be a public relations blitz on health reform, but the political debate became snagged on the whereabouts of the Henry tax review.
Health Minister Nicola Roxon started the tax debate early, failing to rule out future tax increases to pay for rising health costs.
Across town, Mr Rudd was asked when he would produce the Henry review and give a clearer picture of the government's tax plans.
Mr Rudd would not be pinned down, fuelling further speculation that Treasury head Ken Henry's recommendations might be shelved until after the federal election.
Treasurer Wayne Swan last night also played down expectations that the report would be released soon.
''The timing of the release of the tax review has not yet been finalised, but as the Prime Minister has said, it is important to allow for a thorough public discussion of the historic health reforms just announced by the government,'' a spokesman said.
It has become clear that the government does not have a clear strategy for introducing the tax reform debate. Its back-to-basics message after the Peter Garrett insulation drubbing has switched the focus to health and education.
The dead-bat response on tax from Labor's senior players yesterday left the Opposition an open window.
''Nicola Roxon has belled the cat by revealing that the Rudd government has a secret agenda to increase taxes,'' shadow treasurer Joe Hockey told reporters.
''On the same day, Kevin Rudd says he is too busy to release the comprehensive review of taxation reform. This government has a secret agenda on tax.''
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