Peter Strong

Close scrutiny of Labor policy suggests the small business community is being taken for a ride at a time when they most need practical assistance, says Peter Strong.

Due to attacks by misinformed politicians and consumer advocates, service station owners are often viewed as evil capitalists who are becoming wealthy on the back of poor motorists. 

Tax incentives designed to expand Australia's advanced manufacturing base will benefit the economy, Peter Strong says.

The recent Jobs and Skills Summit and its aftermath shows that the current government is very good at duchessing the business community.

The summit of course could not focus on everything as there is never enough time. So, what was missed when it comes to lifting productivity and growing wages?

There must be better protection of business people and their employees from unions if any discussion around multi-employer agreements is to be entertained.

"The upcoming Jobs and Skills Summit looks like it’s from the 1990s when small business was never a consideration," writes Peter Strong.

Many volunteers for independent candidates were small business people. "So why would small business people get involved?" asks Peter Strong.

The small business community will be closely watching where this government moves on the economy and on removing the cumbersome complexity that bedevils workplace relations, writes Peter Strong.

Those who claim to represent workers did the opposite, and their members have lost billions because of their greed, says Peter Strong.

Although Anthony Albanese didn't specifically mention small business in his victory speech, Peter Strong still has hope the new government will have a good relationship with the sector.

The future behaviour of the small business community — particularly those that employ others — will depend on who wins on the weekend.