Analysis: SA Liberal leader Steven Marshall puts tough calls hold ... for now South Australian Opposition Leader Steven Marshall gives his first state Budget reply. FEDERAL Opposition Leader Tony Abbott set an unusual precedent in his Budget reply speech last month. A man often accused of unwavering negativity surprised many with a speech that included significant detail on how different his approach to government would be. It also included promises of some pain, such as delays in superannuation increases, matching some or all of the Gillard Government's cuts and a new tax to fund parental leave. SA Opposition Leader Steven Marshall yesterday stayed away from anything that frightening. He made rhetorical promises of no major public sector cuts, but baulked at a number. He accused the State Government of chronic overspending, but didn't specify programs to get the axe. He said the state's $13 billion debt was unsustainable, but didn't outline how it would be reduced. Mr Marshall has nine months until the state election and appears to be treading a well-worn path for opposition leaders. He is trying to diminish confidence in the government while appearing a low-risk alternative. His policy announcements so far have all been low-risk and mostly uncosted. Premier Jay Weatherill is desperate to draw him out. He wants to force Mr Marshall into making public choices, especially painful ones. The political reality is Mr Marshall has more than 250 days in which to make his case to voters. Today he can afford to be all things to all people. He sidestepped hard choices yesterday and time is on his side. But Mr Marshall will soon have to pivot as Mr Abbott did - from Opposition Leader to alternative premier.