With excessive running costs and unworkable IR laws, I am afraid this year will be the last for many small businesses.

I was amazed to see most of the up market new restaurants closed at south bank yesterday. It's as a result of unworkable trading laws and wage constraints.

This industry has been hit hard with IR, 5 out of the last 9 days were public holidays.

I remember a bold statement, NO WORKER WILL BE WORSE OFF.

Well, I guess not having a shift, or job, is not considered to be worse off hey!

Most workers would have been happy with time and a half (Xmas day excluded), most customers would be happy to pay a surcharge, but hey, what would we know, we just run the joints.

It's amazing how much damage a bad government can cause in just four years.

You get a bit down on us workers mate, ALP workers, wages.
Well Butch it will be the first too!
For bright young folk starting out to become millionaires.
For older ones sea changing and beginning to build a second fortune.
As I now look like being around for a while I feel ready to relaunch and get back to some job too.
Opportunity exist, always.

Dream on belly!

tubbers you must forgive our mr bell
he still thinks alp=union/worker friendly
you at least know all govt..is there to serve industry
[giving their wealth..to the finance industry..and the govt grants machine]

noting fed and state govt are redoing
the sydney cricket grounds roof..for free
the black suits serving the whites sport elites
[via the money marketeeers]

this will be the last year
for many middle class and super anuants
[worker forced to give 13%..of their after tax wages
to the moneyed elite..and the rest to govt and the landlord]

Dear rehctub,

Not sure if I agree with your take on things.
There are many small businesses in our area
that are doing just fine - from hairdressers,
beauty salons, chemists, bicycle shops, butchers
fish shops, and so on. Many are extending their
branches, others are diversifying, but none are
packing it in. I guess it depends on the individual
circumstances in each case.

Butch is a professional whynger, Workers are entitled to be safe at work, and earn a livable wage. There will always be businesses that doesn't work out. You can't make laws that suite everyone, some don't want laws at all. More and more are going on line, which will reorganize the way people do business. Some commodities are just not needed any more, and some are not suited for business.