Australian workers are having to cope with more job losses as businesses seek to deal with the weakening economy and please shareholders simultaneously.

For example, Target store laid off 80 workers in the last twelve months.  But Target's parent company in Australia, Wesfarmers, more than quadrupled its full-year profit to $5.51 billion.  The Perth-based conglomerate also owns Bunnings and Officeworks.  

Woolworths is planning to close 30 "unprofitable" Big W stores, with around 1,000 jobs expected to be lost.  But the company increased its dividend from AU$0.93 to $1.02, and the company brought in a $1.1 Billion one-off boost from the sale of its petrol stations.

Officials say corporate Australia has to reach a better balance that doesn't harm thousands and thousandsof workers.

The Federal Treasurer has asked corporate Australia to lift its game.

"To guarantee our living standards continue to rise, and our children have even more opportunities in the future, we must tackle the productivity challenge," said Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg earlier this week.  "My message today for business is to back yourself, and to use your balance sheet to invest and grow."