Barby

With the news that David Jones has been placed into voluntary administration, first and foremost our thoughts are with the thousands of workers who face a difficult and uncertain time ahead. This news will also come as a shock to Australians right across the country. David Jones is the world's oldest continuously operating department store. Founded in 1838, it is older than the state of Victoria. Older than the Sydney Opera House. This iconic Australian business has survived two world wars, the Great Depression and countless economic crises. But after 188 years, it cannot find a way forward in Labor's economy. David Jones is now among the thousands of Australian businesses being pushed to the brink by rising costs, higher interest rates and an economy that is going backwards. It's not alone. What we’re seeing is an economy that’s crumbling under Labor. Across the country, businesses large and small are being forced to make tough decisions. Whether to reduce hours. Whether to cut jobs. Whether they can afford to keep going. Labor promised Australians a Future Made in Australia. Instead, we're seeing an Australia that is closing for business. More taxes. More regulation. More spending. Higher energy costs. And businesses being suffocated by a government that simply doesn't understand how jobs and prosperity are created. This is the economy Labor has built. You cannot have a strong economy without strong businesses. And you cannot protect Australian jobs while making it harder and more expensive to employ Australians. Australia needs a government that backs enterprise, rewards effort and restores confidence. That means lower taxes. Less red tape. Cheaper, more reliable energy. And an end to Labor's reckless spending that's driving up inflation. The Coalition will fight to rebuild an economy where businesses can invest, employ Australians and grow again. An economy that restores our standard of living and protects our way of life. Australia should be open for business, not closing its doors.