It has seemed in the past (and still perhaps) that we have been quiet as business owners with regards to how we are treated by our politicians and government.

We have tended to keep our head down and get on with the job. Our job, our risk, our problems. We are almost pre-disposed to accepting what is dealt to us with little if any opposition. Interest rates going up, up and more up, banks reducing funds access to small business (when we were not the ones over borrowing), our overheads skyrocketing - power, gas, fuel, stock, wages….. When will it end?

I have been in business for more than 25 years and in all this time I do not recall any major movement by small business to scream out ENOUGH. Even worse is that this round of federal elections has become almost totally about a female PM versus a guy in Speedos. Have we all completely lost the plot? Are we all so apathetic that we are seemingly “accepting” that it is our lot to bear more and receive less? Are our shoulders going to carry the weight forever? 

This government would never make it as a small business owner, even if its run by a woman. I dislike the assumption that I would automatically and blindly support her just because she’s a she. She, him or shim is irrelevant. As a small business owner I bear a lot of risk, a lot of it financial and a big chunk personal. When I make a wrong choice that results in a truckload of wasted money, its my money from my pocket. Oops or “moving forward” does not cut it. Tried that at the bank, they said no. Which bank you say? Didn’t give Bank of Labour a go though, they might have just said - “don’t worry, there’s more where that came from!” Where is the personal risk to our politicians? Where is the consequence? Oh yeah, you might get relocated. Big deal. Until there is pain involved I am no longer convinced that they have any good intentions and in fact any real result policies. If I didn’t plan, budget, develop a strategy, actually implement and oversee it, and WORK, then I’m pretty sure I would have F###)#$#%$# all. Excuse my language, but in case you haven’t guessed, I am annoyed. 

As small business owners we are very much an enormous part of this wonderful, generous and beautiful nation. We are the backbone, the heart & soul of this country. We are real. We are active, connected and contributing to this Land of Not So Plenty Anymore. Let’s fix that. Now. What about “The SBWP- small business warrior party?” People Power.