Is the answer hypothecated?

It seems to be the corporates who have most to fear with increases in the MRRT gaining approval across the board, followed by company tax, and then capital gains tax.

Yet with the mining boom moderating, profit margins squeezed, and changes in capital gains needing to be phased in, none of these looks to be too prospective in the near future.

When we tested respondents on funding the NDIS and Gonski reforms their overwhelming preference was for neither deficits nor taxes, but for savings.

This is a characteristic choice of voters the world over in similar situations, even though savings are unlikely to be sufficient on their own.

However a promise to make savings combined with a hypothecated tax might just do the trick.

Previous research shows voters more willing to accept a tax increase if they agree with the purpose. The flood levy two years ago barely upset anyone, and with bipartisan support for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, a levy dressed up as a "premium" would probably be acceptable.

And if the savings didn't accrue, then see point one – voters wouldn't be concerned any more than they were to start with if this government runs a deficit this year, or probably any other.

Which just leaves Gonski.