EconomicsAustralian economyDebtGovernment – deficits, debt
'Left' governments have run deficits more often than 'Right' governments, and the Left have also run larger deficits on average than the Right.
But timing is everything! - the Left happened to be in power during the big deficits and debts in the two World Wars, when spending was bi-partisan.
My verdict? - Equal points to Left and Right - but poor scores for both post-GFC. Both sides could have used windfall revenue gains to put our house in order to better prepare for global challenges, rather than increase spending and debt.
Ashley Owen
Mar 26, 2025
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