2019 CEO Survey: Anthony Pratt, Visy Industries

Visy chairman Anthony Pratt. Picture: Aaron Francis

Every year The Australian’s John Durie asks some of the biggest names in Australian business five key questions about what’s coming in the year ahead.

Here, in his own words, is what Visy chairman Anthony Pratt sees ahead in 2020.

You can read more from the CEO Survey.

How is your company affected by low-interest rates and what is needed to boost the economy?

As a private company in a capital-intensive industry with no access to public funds we borrow a lot, so we love low interest rates, and now borrow more from super funds at long-term fixed low interest rates. Now is a great time to borrow from super funds.

What is the impact of government regulations on your company, including those applying to the financial sector?

Due to loan to capital ratio regulations imposed on the banks by Basel regulations, banks are limited by how much they can lend so again now is a great time for borrowing from super funds.

What percentage of company revenues are spent on research and development, and how is your company using technology to improve performance?

We spend millions on R & D by sending people overseas to look at what’s new in box designs and the latest in machine technology. For example, in print technology, you’ll soon be able to get a box delivered to you by Amazon, for example, that has “Happy Birthday John” printed on the inside. It is called personalised printing. It is enabled by digital printing for which there are no set up costs for a new print and that drops the cost.

What are the three major policy issues facing the country and what should be done about them?

ScoMo is doing a fantastic job and addressing the three great policy issues of today – and they are well paying jobs, jobs and jobs.

What are the major impediments to long-term growth facing your company and what can or is being done about them?

We are limited only by our imagination, our ability to anticipate and ultimately, execute.