Treasurer Joe Hockey says his second budget will take account of a sharply slowing jobs market but has affirmed there would be no change from his tough spending cuts approach, arguing it is confidence the economy needs, not stimulus.

"The problem in the economy is not a shortage of money, it's about confidence and jobs and growth," he said in an exclusive interview with Fairfax Media.

Not softening: Treasurer Joe Hockey. Credit:Andrew Meares

Accordingly, there will be no slowdown in the push back to surplus despite an apparent softening of attitude by Prime Minister Tony Abbott and fresh calls from business for more expansionary settings to kick-start growth.

The bullish line has put him at odds with some in his own party and with key business players such as the Australian Industry Group, which stated in a pre-budget submission that "Australia's fiscal position is still sufficiently robust to permit the modest stimulus that is appropriate in the circumstances we are likely to face in 2015-16".