Peter Strong

We are seeing the first real focus during an election on workplace relations since the ill thought-out Work Choices campaign helped force the Coalition out of government in 2007.  

Any pay rise will create increased costs for employers, who will pass that onto consumers. This will increase inflation and the cycle will continue.

May 21 is fast approaching, but Peter Strong still has some questions for Anthony Albanese and a potential Labor government regarding small business policy.

Minor inflation can be a useful thing as it tends to slow rises in both the cost of goods and wages, making the economy all very manageable. But runaway inflation is diabolical.

Despite the media focus on other election topics, small workplaces around Australia will always keep their eyes on everyday important issues.

In this election the one message from small business that seems to be missing from all sides is the shortage of workers.

In the first edition of his weekly column running throughout the campaign, Peter Strong examines what the election means for the self-employed and their businesses.

Many small business owners are concerned about VET. Let's hand it over to industry associations and those in the know, writes Peter Strong.

Noted economist Saul Eslake's recent paper tries to "hide a disdain of small business behind an unemotional façade of statistics and unproven assumptions", writes Peter Strong.

This year was similar to 2020 in many ways as the pandemic continued, lockdowns were implemented, and businesses were forced to close or modify their behaviours.

If we want to be able to deal with future emergencies, current pandemics, and ongoing changes in climate, as well as trade wars (think China), we need a manufacturing sector that is flexible, innovative, efficient and bigger, writes Peter Strong.

You might get the impression that I think Rod Sims did a pretty good job. Well you’d be wrong — he has done an amazing job, writes Peter Strong.