Those critical of the Howard/Costello years seem to have their lines of responsibilities and assessments some what distorted.
Many on HC have stated the surplus recorded was mainly due to the mining boom and luck. Nothing said of the worst drought in 100 years or SE Asian crisis. That a drovers dog could rack up surpluses. That a lack of spending on infrastructure contributed to surplus.
As you correctly point out all responsibility of states who not only did not spend on these areas but failed to "bank" surpluses for the rainy days ahead.
It is going to be a pity that a once in a life time boom and the next generation will have nothing to show for it. Whilst Libs had $22b in the bank, the "Future Fund" and the "Education Fund" that would have been. In one year of labor all that is gone and more.
Once again labors legacy to our kids will be reduced employment opportunity and greater debt.
