Australian businesses 'need clarity'

Australians go to the polls on 7 September in a general election that will see Prime Minister Kevin Rudd take on opposition leader Tony Abbott.

The state of the economy has been a hot topic for voters.

They want to know how either party will sustain economic growth and create jobs as the mining boom, which has powered growth in recent years, slows.

The strength of the Australian dollar and its impact on exports, as well as the rising cost of living are other key issues.

The BBC's Rico Hizon asked Warren Hogan, chief economist with one of Australia's biggest financial institutions, ANZ about the economic issues underpinning the political battle.