How does it get to this? That has been the reaction not just to the last few editions of our Newsletter which raised legislative changes on our industry but reflects comments from people throughout our society with increasing frequency over the past 2 years. How do rules and regulations come about? And rather than winge, what can we do about it? There are three types of people in the world:
- Those who make things happen
- Those who watch things happen
- And those who wonder what the hell happened.
Sadly, the latter two groups both outnumber the first. Apathy and a feeling of not being heard means most people don’t bother to involve themselves in anything that isn’t a direct major effect on themselves. And even then, many times only involve themselves when the decision has already been made, often because they don’t stay informed.
Some examples of what businesses are now stuck with include Sustainability Reporting, BPICs employment conditions in Qld, renewables farms and transmission lines being installed in regions where the people don’t want them, a system that forces employers and employees into permanent employment contracts even if both parties prefer the benefits of casual employment, the lists go on.
Government tries to get input from “stakeholders” before making decisions. This can be as broad as policies taken to an election (somehow giving them a “mandate” to implement ALL of their policies), through to some form of community consultation. And this is where the problem lies: just like statistics can be manipulated to show pretty much anything you like, so can feedback.
In very general terms, the policy and feedback process work like this:
- Someone passionate puts forward a suggestion and gets the ear of a politician or public service department.
- Those putting together the change have a common cause and as such have a strong vested interest, usually generating more money and/or power for themselves.
- A working group will be established, which will invite participation from key stakeholders within the subject area. This will usually be public sector employees, the larger industry players, Unions and Industry Associations. That is, those involved have a big incentive to spruik their own song book. This may include increasing barriers to entry for new players, and usually around growing the available pie. Note the absence of small businesses (which is most businesses) as well as Joe Public.
- Very rarely is any cost/benefit analysis done. What will the cost be to the overall economy? And will it actually be of positive benefit to society?
- The working group then puts a draft proposal for open feedback. The trouble is, how do you know about it? Chances are you won’t. At best, you’ll hear about it through the media (but usually as a report after the feedback period has closed) or perhaps you’re connected enough to be included (or have your ear to the ground and read newsletters such as this… 😊). But generally, even if we do know about it, we’re all too busy with our normal lives to get off our backsides to voice our opinion or drive a united response with like-minded people.
- So the feedback is from pretty much the same small click that started the process. Further, when evaluating the feedback, in most cases the decision makers will listen to those voices it sees as “expert” within the field. The general public (that are usually the ones who end up paying for it in the end) are usually downgraded in importance or ignored.
- This giant echo-chamber then goes ahead with something that will lock in benefits for themselves.
I have seen the above happen within several industries I’ve been involved in. There are in fact entire industries where their sole purpose is to put in place requirements that lock in a customer base. Much of the legal profession (class actions, taxpayer funded legal action); all manner of “inspection” industries; many compulsory reporting requirements (the ESG industry); and subsidy or rebate harvesters as just a few examples. The worst part of this is that in nearly all cases the advocates for the requirements never wear any of the cost but are the recipients of the (often guaranteed) income stream.
I despise any sales contact where their sales pitch is all about “compliance”. Not saying that some requirements aren’t beneficial, but if the only “benefit” is compliance, it should tell you that the product or service is basically rubbish.
So, rather than winge, what can we do about it? 2025 is very much looking like it could be a fantastic year where we will see a permanent reversal of much the garbage that has been imposed on businesses and citizens. Call it whatever you like, but we’ve been getting poorer for the past 2 years, and the only way to reverse our countries fortunes is to get back to productivity improvements and focussing on what actually generates wealth (rather than sucks it up).
The tide has turned. The mantra “Put your money where your mouth is” will signify this trend. “Someone else”, especially in tough times, is no longer willing to pay for the choices of others. Want something = you pay for it yourself.
I encourage all our readers that whatever your cause, be the change you want to be. I’m not much for new year’s resolutions but have had enough of being ushered into silence on many topics and will make a greater effort to help drive positive change. Rod Williams always lived by the saying “Bad things happen when good people do nothing”. I hope to inspire lots of others to follow this great advice.
Concerning fact
New research has found 81 per cent of people killed on Australian roads between January and September 2024 were male. Men also accounted for 90 per cent of cyclists and 96 per cent of motorcyclists killed on Australian roads.
While the rates of minor injuries suffered on the roads is similar between men and women, research suggests that women are more likely to drive distracted.
So guessing we can expect to see a campaign to close the gap and ensure equality? Seriously though guys, whilst there are more male (86%) than female (14%) professional drivers (doing it for a living), and male drivers do 1.41 times more driving than women, let’s get our act together as the number of licenses are pretty much 50/50.
Words from the wise
“Be the change you want to be” – credited to Mahatma Gandhi, but actually an abbreviation of a speech.
“The reality is that the only way change comes is when you lead by example” – Anne Wojcicki.
“Change before you have to.” – Jack Welch
As always, Onwards and Upwards!
Fred Carlsson
General Manager
