The government came under fire for its "shrill" tone and over politicisation of the budget in a report from Pegasus Economics released this week.

That report pointed to the numerous references to the federal Coalition government in the budget.

John Wanna, a professor of politics at the Australian National University and Griffith University, said it was unlikely the comments would have a significant impact on Canberra's relationship with the Commonwealth. He believed much of the territory's frustrations came down to not securing funding for light rail stage two.

Professor Wanna said budget comments criticising the federal government - especially in supporting papers - were not just a partisan issue, with some Liberal state governments coming out swinging against the level of federal funding they receive.

"It just comes down to political tactics, trying to blame the other side," he said.

Professor Wanna said light rail funding for the ACT would always be a hard sell, considering the lack of road congestion compared to Sydney and Melbourne, and safe federal Labor seats.

"I think they were hoping that if they started the light rail, the Commonwealth would come up with more money for stage two," he said

"This is really just a kind of parochial whinging. The best thing for the ACT to do is to make sure light rail becomes really well used. You've got to make a business case why the Commonwealth should come in.

"It's also important to remember it's swings and roundabouts here.

"Budgets are never one off things, they're repeated activities."