Believe the pictures – these photo opportunities are as awkward as they look.

On Tuesday morning Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Treasurer Joe Hockey called camera crews and photographers down to Mr Abbott's Parliament House office for the traditional week before the budget picture.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott poses with the Treasurer Joe Hockey as they look through the 2015 budget on Tuesday. Credit:Andrew Meares

The day before, Mr Abbott had been out pre-selling the budget as "dull" but "credible" and his media wizards did not want a photograph that contradicted this assertion.