They could make or break his long-held aspirations to be Australia's prime minister.

But with Labor's popularity waning in the latest opinion polls and the electorate showing signs of concern over several key issues, it's a chance for Mr Turnbull to show true leadership.

He certainly should have plenty of ammunition in his armoury during the budget sittings after Labor's handling of the carbon emissions scheme and the continued flood of boat people heading towards our shores.

His budget reply will be an opportunity to reveal how he would handle an economy already many billions in the red.

It also gives Mr Turnbull his biggest opportunity to break out of the shadow of former treasurer Peter Costello and to stymie any plans by the government for a double dissolution if the carbon pollution scheme legislation fails to pass through the Senate.

If he fails, his leadership dreams could be over.

And another thing...

Wollongong lost one of its most valued citizens this week with the death of former government medical officer Dr Vincent Verzosa. He will be remembered as having a brilliant forensic brain and as a gentleman and friend to many.