Menzies didn't actually pay down the debt, as he never had a surplus to do so. The debt burden was reduced by GDP growth in the 50s and 60s (as noted on the graph).
That is one of the reasons I'm against a slash and burn scenario for tackling debt, managing the debt and focusing on economic growth is a better strategy.
As an aside, I plan to open a Menzies museum later in the year and I will be doing a lot of research and collecting a lot of info about Menzies to put the museum together.
So I'm curious what was it about Menzies made you not a fan?
