Are you stimulated yet?

Nice article, I couldn't agree more.  I think this "economic crisis" has been further fueled by the negative "can't do" attitudes of a lot of people.  Now don't get me wrong, uncontrollable circumstances have put a lot of folks in a real fix.  But, I know the people and businesses with a "can do" attitude are the ones that are going to come out the other end of this intact with days of flourishing growth ahead of them.  Remember, the Great Depression produced more millionaires than any other era.  We are not in a depression, nor do I think we will sink that low.  But, times are definitely tough, and the ones with sheer determination and ingenuity will prosper in the end.  Best of luck to all in this difficult time.

I couldn't agree with you more, Anders! Australia is in a very good position to ride out this crisis, but not if we talk ourselves into a depression. I had lunch yesterday with a friend from China who said that the mood was very bleak here compared to the streets of Beijing! What we need is a collective call to arms, turn off the news and get out and start engaging with the "Big Rapidly Industrialising Countries" of the world (otherwise known as the BRICs!) by offering our world class services (particularly in the creative, innovative and design industries) to the people that need them. Despite the service sector being over 80% of our economy, we export less than 3%!! Go figure!

This is the first time I have actually agreed with anything anyone has had to say about the global financial crisis (GFC). The $950 bonus will be great, people yes will spend that money but how many people actually have the confidence to put this money into the share market, or into a deposit for a house or any investment at all? I think you would find very few. The is an example of the current confidence amongst general Australian's and even the private business sector at the moment. 12-24 months ago was a very different story! Strong leadership that re-enforces positive thinking (Confidence & trust) mixed with a little bit of cash splurge (Giving them action on a plate) is an answer for Australia to getting back on track and moving on from the GFC.

I have a small business which i started in 1984 which was one of our economys worst growth period and interest rates were as high as 18% in in my first 10 years of business i experienced a phenominal growth. i believe my leaders style with clients and staff was what Kevin needs its was one of enthusiasm, honesty, sencerity but a firm commitment to we have to be prepared to work bloody hard and go without for a while. Delayed gratification. now 25 years on i have a long retention of both staff and clients and have a multi milion dollar business and i still roll up my sleeves in these times a work hard with the crew and go without. sometimes hands outs for no work doesnt stand for anyhting more than trying to by votes. love ya Kev but get tough!!