It’s a colloquial term for supply-side economics relating to the idea that government stimulus to business and high-income earners flows through to the broader economy.

Adrian’s example doesn’t address this. Plenty have though. 2015 IMF research, including data from 150 countries, found it doesn’t work. The Business Council, in evidence at Senate estimates couldn’t provide an example of anywhere in the world the policy had worked.

Bloomberg, that hotbed of socialist, anti-capitalist thought, titled an article on the recent US tax cuts - “The Best Way to Spur Growth? Help the Poor, Not the Rich.” On the US situation, Moody’s stated it did “not expect [US] corporate tax cuts to lead to a meaningful boost in business investment.”

This has been the case. US companies are using the tax cuts on unprecedented share buybacks and increases in dividends. Australian Treasury modelling found the corporate tax cuts will have a minute effect on wages. Indeed, Adrian’s example is useful.  

If stimulus is instead provided to increase the net income of those contractors, waiters and other workers, they are to eat at the restaurant more and have an extra course or two. Thus, more profit in the restaurant owner’s pocket. Trickle-down theory was also described in the 1890’s thus: “Feed the horse (business) enough oats, some will pass through to the road for the sparrows (workers)”. In other words the workers can eat.....well, you get the picture.

Paul McGillion, Dapto

The record low levels of budget cuts to NSW libraries will hurt the community.  The NSW state government has cut funding by 18 per cent for the 2018/2019 period.

This will have a negative impact for all and will mean fewer services and programmes will be delivered.  Many people depend on their local library for education and to enhance their social and cultural well being.

Members of the community need to take action by writing letters/petitions to their relevant state members of parliament that funding needs to increase for libraries for the next budget.  

Developing a long term, sustainable model for funding NSW public libraries.

As a voter all have the power to bring change and one can remind their state MP on the importance of their local libraries.  Otherwise they won't get your vote if nothing is done.

Members of the community can inform friends and family members to take action on this matter.

Lawrence Scerri, Warrawong

A reunion of staff at Keira (Boys) High from 1975- 2000 is being organised for Friday, October 8.

For more details please email either Nancy Douglas (Agnes.douglas@det.nsw.edu.au) or Johanne Wells (née Heggie) johwells@me.com

Johanne Wells, Farmborough Heights