The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) urges companies and other interest groups to maintain business activities in spite of the uncertainty that looms in government.

ACCI chief executive Peter Anderson insists that it should be business as usual in Australia even during a period when a minority government is still being formed. He said, “We can do that by getting on with the doing of business, not putting investment decisions on hold and not adding to any uncertainty.”

Anderson also recognizes the growing hold on power of the Greens. The Upper House of Parliament has nine Greens senators.

The Chamber head urges the Greens to adjust their stance on some economic issues. Anderson said, “There are many aspects of their platform which do not correspond with the platform of the major parties, and which do not correspond with views of the business community.”

Likewise, the Australian Industry Group (AIG) is concerned about the Greens and various independents.

AIG chief executive Heather Ridout emphasized that “The prospect of a hung parliament and a Senate where a minor party holds the balance of power in its own right, is a worrying outcome for business.”

Telstra, the major banks, and mining companies also hope they will not be marginalized from the increased power of independents and the Greens. Westpac's chief executive Gail Kelly expressed hopes that the banking sector will not be dragged in as a political bargaining tool.

The Independents, however, have expressed support for a stable government.