Conclusion

Muldoon's reasoning in this budget can be exposed at many levels. He has reduced the sales tax on motorbikes "to encourage" their greater use; yet the registration fee has shot up!

The budget is a tactical devise, and any alterations to it which favour students, although needed, must also be recognised as such. Muldoon is attempting to isolate the low income earners from the rest of the public, by increasing the gulf between them and the next wage brackets. His solution to the problems of the economy which he has helped cause, taking money from those least able to afford it, must be denounced.

Peter Beach