Business SA would like to congratulate the Coalition for its hard work to regain seats and win the balance of power at yesterday’s federal election. We congratulate all of the South Australian candidates for putting in an immense amount of effort.

With several seats still to be decided, Business SA said it would continue to work with the re-elected government and its representatives from South Australia, on a range of federal issues impacting our state.

Business SA Executive Director of Industry and Government Engagement, Anthony Penney, said the re-elected coalition government must keep in mind that small business is a big deal.

“Business unanimously raised energy as the number one cause for concern and the Coalition must work as a united party to develop and implement sound policies - not propaganda - that deliver cheaper power while meeting Australia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement,” Mr Penney said.

Close to 60 per cent of businesses support the previously-proposed national energy guarantee and just over 60 per cent want the Federal Government to continue to adhere to its commitment to the Paris Agreement, according to Business SA’s Climate Change Survey, released in September 2018.

Mr Penney hoped the Coalition Government would continue to listen to businesses when considering workplace relations matters, the rising cost of energy and on climate change.

“South Australia, which puts the “s” in SME, will be looking for a strong voice within federal politics to do what is fair for the South Australian and national economies,” he said.

Mr Penney said the vote of confidence in South Australia for the Liberal Party was a rejection of the ACTU’s calls for a 11.5 per cent increase to the minimum wage over two years, saying 81 per cent of respondents in an April Business SA survey would be forced to either cut staff numbers, reduce hours or delay hiring new staff if it was introduced.

Confidence in the national economy has also fallen significantly, as recognised in last week’s March quarter Business SA - William Buck Survey of Business Expectations, which partly attributed the fall to the federal election and political uncertainty.

With the re-elected Coalition Government and the certainty around many policies having been previously announced, Business SA hopes that business confidence will return for the following quarter, but this is predicated on improving conditions.

“We are calling on the re-elected Coalition Government to prioritise economic stability and much-needed relief for the business community, as they continue to face rising power and water costs and the high cost of overheads,” he said.

To arrange an interview with Anthony Penney, please call Director of Media and Communications, Verity Edwards, on 0412 678 942.

19 May 2019