Scott warned that shortages of workers across logistics and transport were elevating costs of doing business,while energy supply issues were also having an impact.
“On the power and energy side,once again,supply is the problem. Certainly on the East Coast,we need more gas,we also need to manage investment in the electricity network to support the energy transition,” he said.
“On the transport side,the transport sector[is] suffering from a shortage and availability of workforce - truck drivers and team members in supply chains.”
Despite these concerns,Wesfarmers reported robust trading across its brands in the six months to December as consumers flocked to value-focused retailers like Kmart.
DIY giant Bunnings also proved resilient,delivering $9.7 billion in revenue for the half,with earnings rising by 1.5 per cent to $1.3 billion.
Scott said he was confident Bunnings would be resilient even in the face of a sustained property downturn,given demand from commercial trade customers for goods will remain strong regardless of the broader housing market.