E 400 & GLE 350: DOUBLE THE FUN Ross’ Mercedes-Benz Ross has two Mercedes-Benz vehicles parked in his driveway: an E 400 sits alongside a GLE 350. “They are both very nice cars,” he says. “The combination of technology and power is outstanding. I like the fact you can drive them in different ways, and that can be understated, or you can rev them up, if you want. It is a fantastic experience every time I jump in those cars.” The truth is, money touches every aspect of every person’s life, whether it is through their work, through the charity they volunteer for, or the sporting club that they are involved in – there is money at the bottom of most things ... ON BREXIT Brexit will be a difficult process in the UK, but it will be positive for Australia. It will allow us to open up new relationships with both the UK and Europe. We are currently negotiating a free trade agreement with the EU and we will do the same with the UK. As a result, Australia might develop stronger ties to the UK and EU than we have had in 30-40 years. ... ON INTEREST RATES Over the next 12 months, there will be a lot of speculation about interest rates. No doubt, they will rise and they will continue to rise. If the US raises its interest rates and Australia doesn’t, then we will see the Australian Dollar fall against the US Dollar long term – if not in 2018-19, then eventually. If Australia does raise its interest rates, that means the economy is stabilising, and that is not a bad thing. It means we are seeing inflation and good employment. But, until we see more positive signs of robust economic growth, Australia can’t afford interest rate rises. We are seeing some good signs in employment, however, which means more opportunities for workers and increased negotiating power in terms of wages. Currently, wage growth is at record lows, so if Australian wages start to pick up, then consumers will spend more, and that will benefit the retail sector. The fact is the interest rate situation is a function of wages growth. If you don’t have wages growth, people will feel that their situation is tough, and they will look for the cheap option and not go shopping as much, which is very difficult for retailers. FEATURE 11