Yes, Maddog, that is a real problem....Local small business owners I talk to are seething with the rental rises last few years. That's the ones that have managed to stick around. Several haven't. Some of it is the high rental rates, poor business plans, and also - most obviously (why wasn't it so obvious to the bank that financed this disaster) poor business plans. Could add that tradesmen in Australia are being paid about three times what they are worth ( a huge impact in housing costs) - and plus the tax evasion they can manage....they do quite ok. Meanwhile, I know many bright scientists, after 7-8 years of intense study and research, who struggle to find anything and get paid far less than any tradie when they do get a short-term contract. Eventually, some cave in, and I get emails from their new jobs in the US or Europe....
