Due to a credit squeeze, the economy had gone into a brief recession in 1961 and unemployment had risen to high levels. This saw an increase in popularity for Labor; Menzies' case was not helped by an approach seen by the press, notably The Sydney Morning Herald, as inappropriately paternalistic.
Due to a credit crunch, the economy entered a short recession in 1961, leading to elevated unemployment rates. This boosted Labor's popularity; Menzies' position was undermined by an approach perceived as overly paternalistic by press outlets like The Sydney Morning Herald.