This month in business

Over the past few weeks, understandably, the failings and cover ups by the State Government over the atrocities at Oakden Older Persons Mental Health Service have been in the spotlight - but what is going on in the world of business? 

The latest ABS employment statistics were recently released and while they may have been overshadowed, South Australia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate jumped to 7.0%. Once again South Australia has the highest unemployment rate in the country with the national unemployment rate at 5.9%. SA also has the highest underemployment, underutilisation and youth unemployment in Australia.

CPI figures confirmed what most South Australians already know - we are paying more for electricity than anywhere else in the country. The cost of electricity has gone up 5.9% in the March quarter and 12.7% in the year to date. These rises were again larger than anywhere else in the country. 

We have already called for the State Labor Government to scrap its Renewable Energy Target (RET) of 50% (we are currently above 40%) and align our target to the Federal goal of 23%. At present we have a competitive disadvantage compared to the other states and an over reliance on intermittent wind energy which increases the unreliability of electricity generation and also ultimately forces our prices up. I have spoken about this in Parliament a number of times recently and you can read one of my speeches here 

Business and particularly SME's are vital to helping turn our state around and growing our economy. That is why I continue to regularly visit and listen to established and new enterprises to find out what we can do to assist. A common theme is for government to get out of the way - remove red tape inhibitors and allow business to do what they do best. Excessive taxes, fees and charges in our state are burdens that business groups often tell me prevent them from growing and employing more people. 

It you haven't already completed my - www.growbusinessgrowjobs.com.au survey please take 5 minutes to do so. It is vital that governments (and hopefully future governments) listen to the SME sector and know how to help South Australia lift itself up off the bottom of the ladder. We have been a cellar dweller for far too long.

I continue to travel around the state, visiting as many businesses as possible and listening to businesses needs, experiences and requests. There are some incredibly talented and driven people in our state doing great things that need to be celebrated. If I haven't already I'd love to hear from you and if possible I'd love to come and visit your business and see first hand how you are getting on.