There is widespread negative economic sentiment which is...

There is widespread negative economic sentiment which is adversely affecting many businesses in Australia.

Some sections of the media are inflaming this lack of confidence by publishing sensationalist headlines and spin.

The inept and weak federal government is significantly contributing to the pessimism. This minority administration will do anything to hold on to power, including doing deals with the extremists in the Greens. The policy impacts of this government are unknown and uncertain, and this is creating more fear in the community.

Sadly, I suspect the economic situation will get worse as consumer sentiment deteriorates further with two more years of this dreaded and untrustworthy government.

Unfortuneately, CSR is in one of the industries most affected by the fear factors in motion like carbon tax, cost of living, housing affordability and interest rates.

It is essential that CSR strengthen and consolidate its businesses over this period by:-
. reducing/eliminating reliance on external debt;
. undertaking low-risk acquisitions at bargain prices;
. maintaining and growing earnings and operating cash
flows.