Most manufacturers believe the recent federal budget will
leave their businesses worse off, according to an online poll.
The Manufacturers’ Monthly poll asked readers one question – “How will this Federal Budget affect your
business?”
In response, 53.2 per cent of respondents said their
businesses would be worse off; 21.74 per cent answered that the budget would
have mixed results (some good elements, some bad); 14.3 per cent said it would
have no impact; and 10.87 per cent said the budget would improve their
business.
Coverage in the broader media has reinforced the unpopularity
of Treasurer Joe Hockey’s first budget. And the government’s support has
nosedived. According to a post-budget Herald/Nielsen poll from May 15-17,
two-party vote figures saw the Coalition drop 4 points to 44 per cent and Labor
rise 4 points to 56 per cent.
However, most criticism has focussed on issues such as co-payments
on visits to the GP, increases in the pension age, changes to the Newstart
allowance, and cuts in health and education.
Manufacturers’ Monthly
asked a single question of business owners and its readers are predominantly
from the manufacturing sector. The result suggests that, perhaps for different
reasons, this group shares the pessimism of the broader community.
There were 92 votes recorded, 90 of which were from Australian-based internet users.