I first wrote here in 2013 that State and federal politicians should be required to undertake a week of genuine paid work experience in a small business every year. I believe it today more than ever. Indeed, right now in Australia, during this small business focussed election campaign, this idea ought to be out to every politician from all parties. They visit small businesses, have their photo taken, shake some hands and move on to the next photo op. Each visit is stage managed to show them engaged with small business.
Politicians who really want to engage with small business will seriously consider my proposal. Sadly, that means none will, from any side will. here is my proposal from three years ago:
Despite small businesses employing more Australians than any other business block we receive less attention from our politicians. This is in part our own fault driven by disconnected representation and a lack of unity on issues.
One way to redress the disconnect between small business and politicians would be to require every politician, federal and state, to spend a week a year working in a small business in their electorate – paid real work.
The business should be chosen by random ballot – to remove the opportunity for mates looking after mates.
Besides the practical work experience, the politicians would gain a better understanding of the life and challenges of everyday Australians.
I am confident that after a couple of years we would see this small business work experience program drive a more practical narrative from politicians of all sides- and not just a small business focused narrative but one also more connected with real life.
We can’t compete with the lobbyists who are paid a fortune to guide our politicians to outcomes they want. Hence my call for a legislated week of small business work every year for every politician.
Imagine what discussions about paid parental leave, GST changes, assistance for the car industry or workplace relations changes would be like in the cabinet room if everyone at the table had done a week of real work in a small business beforehand. They would have reference points relevant not only to our small businesses but also to our employee colleagues, their constituents.
Thinking about this further today, I am confident enforcing a week a year working in a small business in their electorate chosen at random would result in better government not only for small business owners but for all these small businesses serve for it would add to the experiences of the politicians and change their conversations.
I am developing some personal rules about the candidates I vote for. No-one under 35. No-one related to another incumbent (as in “Daddy was a senator, I think I’d like to be one too”). No-one who has spent their whole prior life in one job only, or the Public Service Canberra only. I haven’t finished yet.
Where do the local MP’s buy their office supplies, ink catridges, etc, etc?
That would be a good way of showing support for our local small businesses.
I approached a local MP’s office with the hope of them being able to offer a quote on their office needs.
Nothing. “We have to buy from XXXX” My response was “XXXX is a multinational and you are basically sending money to the USA and supporting them.”
What do we have to do?
I see where your coming from Mark but it’s an opinion based on your own circumstances. When I was farming I thought all pollies should be made to work on the land so they understood the business and the challenges it has, everyone living on welfare thinks politicians should be forced to live on the dole for a period of time to see if they could do it.
I’m sure if you talk to a miner they probably think all pollies should be forced to do a week of nightshift underground. I just want the major parties to preselect more candidates with a good mix of real life experience.
this coming election , i am voting for independent
Do you know where their preferences go Eric?
We have the X factor, the X files, X marks the spot and newsXpress, so I think I’ll vote for Mr. X
Steve, I pitch it for this election since small business is key in the major party platforms, more than in recent memory. And for the record, my definition of small business would include farms.
“a week a year working in a small business in their electorate chosen at random”
Chosen at random?!?!? I don’t want an untrained person working in my business.
I don’t want to spend an enormous amount of time and thus money teaching them my business only for it to be of no use at the end of the week.
I don’t want to expose someone to my financials or work practices that they could mistakenly deem to be suspect.
Your loss Glenn. Also, it would be poor management o allow access to your financials.