Anyone can cite articles mate.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-2...on-tax/4846060
Yours said a business THOUGHT that SPECULATION about the carbon tax was what caused the demise of their business... not exactly facts. The FACTS are that disposable income has increased, that prices have not sky rocketed. My household bills have remained the same, as has everyone I know. The carbon tax has been just like the GST. Everyone ran about screaming that the sky was going to fall and then it was introduced and everyone went "oh, is that it?" The only real effect was that business earning less than 70k a year, who then realised they were going to do more than that had to start collecting GST and doing a little more paperwork.
Our national debt is still low, yes it went up. EVERYONES went up. We went through the GFC remember? You know that thing that Rudd and Swan managed to largely insulate us from? By doing deals with China and the US to capitalise on the resources boom, by ensuring money was circulating (with a stimulus package and putting money into school halls, and a few other things. Some of which were poorly handled but they did have the desired effect. Money circulated.) Spending got us through it (distance helped) and now Abbott is talking about being austere. Austerity has proven to work so well elsewhere hasnt it?
John Howard had nothing stopped. There are more wars and more displaced people, hence there are more refugees. Simple as that.
Look, we could argue every point but its doubtful either of is going to change strongly held political views is it?