Small business decides: Tony Nash on the core things politicians need to get right

As part of the 2016 federal election, SmartCompany is speaking to small business owners and members of the small business community about the issues that are most important to them. 

Tony Nash started online retailer and Smart50 finalist Booktopia in 2004. Since then, he’s seen the Australia bookselling industry – and online retail sector – change significantly. Bookstopia is based in the electorate of North Sydney, which is safely held by new Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman.

“For me, government is always about infrastructure, education and health.

“It’s their duty to get those things right because that’s what creates jobs and increases the standard of living. Education helps you take care of yourself.

“There are other areas that are important too, like social services. But to me, those are the three key things you can’t afford to get wrong.

“It’s like running a company. When you run a company, there are core things you’ve got to pay attention to – sales, profits, overheads, staff retention. And then there’s all the other things that aren’t as important, but still need to be attended to.

“There’s a lot of disenfranchised Australians right now who are looking for good leadership. They’re tired of the slogans and bickering and name-calling.

“Business goes about its duties whether there’s one government or another. They want people who get on with it.”

For the 2016 federal election, SmartCompany is canvassing small businesses across the country to find out the issues most important to them. If you would like to get involved, email: news@smartcompany.com.au.