Don't ask me for a job when you're buying your goods online or from out of town. I know it has been a long time between drinks, but I've been stewing on this and it's finally forced me to put the words on paper.
A while ago, I was picking up some videos from a closing down sale and was chatting to the person behind the counter. We talked about the impact of online video on sales and shops closing their doors.
I also talked to someone who said there was nowhere to buy their clothes in Collie, so they went down the hill to Bunbury. I pointed out that Toscas and other stores were nearby and they indicated they were 'too expensive'. They then asked me if I had any work for them.
Talking to a local hardware outlet last week, they reported a customer asking for a part number and information so they could buy it online. When they got an online order, it was missing a part and they weren't happy when the shop wouldn't take an item off a shelf set to give them.
Sure, the goods online may appear cheaper. But they are just cheaper, not better value for money. It's cheaper often because the components used are not as good as those found locally. It's cheaper because the money is paying a small shop in Asia to pump out vast quantities of the same thing, and that is one job less for an Australian.
Very soon, we will have lots of very cheap items for sale in Wish, Catch-of-the-Day, ebay, gumtree, etc. but we won't be able to pay for them. Our credit cards will be maxed, everyone will be unemployed and the Government will be broke and unable to pay welfare.
We may be an island of primary industry, iron ore, coal, gold, lithium... but we used to have a strong secondary industry. Each time we close up these industries, thousands lose their jobs in the factory, and all the associated industries are affected too.
We all have a vital part to play in this economy of ours. In my opinion, we all need to take a breath, look closely in the mirror and see what we can do to help. It might be in reducing rent, being a better union leader, a harder worker, a better employer, or spending our money locally. If you're not spending your money here, then don't expect to see any improvement in the employment rate.
Now I'm off to build my underground bunker... from local products supplied by Henderson's Hardware, TBS and Collie Salvage Yard, with bolts from Auto 1, Thomsons Hardware and food from our local shops, clothes from Toscas and menswear in the Jones Arcade... to name a few. Oh and a beer from the Feddie.
Patrick Honeywill, Collie
