Over the past year, Business NSW has been working hard to make sure small and medium businesses are front and centre in government decisions. From skills and workforce shortages to housing, energy, and tax reform, we’ve been pushing for practical changes that make it easier for you to run and grow your business.

Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been doing to support you:

What we've been fighting for

More local opportunities in procurement and manufacturing

• We’ve collaborated with the NSW Government on the Industry Policy, the Innovation Blueprint, and procurement targets that open up opportunities for local SMEs.
• Continued support for the Industry Capability Network (ICN), of which we are a founding member, has helped strengthen local supply chains and manufacturing capability.

Unlocking housing to support workforce access

• Our HousingNow! campaign, led by our Business Western Sydney executive director, David Borger, was pivotal in gaining bipartisan support for critical planning reforms to boost housing supply - a key challenge affecting workforce access for SMEs, especially in regional NSW..

Fixing skills and workforce shortages

• We’ve expanded support for apprenticeships and delivered training and programs focused on the real needs of employers - particularly in trades and regional industries.
• Our State of Skills report, launched with Minister Whan, laid out what needs to change so you can hire and retain skilled workers. 

Better roads and infrastructure

• Our advocacy helped secure billions in funding for transport, roads, and precincts—helping to grow regional economies and reduce barriers to doing business.

Energy, safety and regulatory reform

• We’ve been calling for energy reforms that make power more affordable and stable, especially for manufacturers who are paying three to 10 times more than global competitors.
• We’ve also secured practical changes to Workers Compensation and SafeWork NSW, making it simpler to stay compliant and protect your team.

Tax reform that supports growth

• We continue to push for changes to payroll tax, a fairer share of GST for NSW, and a simpler tax system that rewards small business growth and innovation.

Real data that drives change

• Our quarterly Business Conditions Survey collects insights from up to 1000 businesses across NSW, giving government a real-time view of what’s working - and what’s not. Check out the latest survey results here.

Your voice on emerging issues

• We’re actively making submissions on important issues like energy, waste, and sustainability, ensuring your business is heard as new rules and programs roll out. See our recent submissions here.

What’s coming up

Over the coming year, we’re focusing on five key areas impacting our members: energy, insurance, skills, taxes and Industrial relations. These issues continue to impact and limit the potential of so many businesses in NSW. 

Over the next few months, you’ll see thought leadership on:

• Cutting red tape so you can focus on running your business, not paperwork
• On the back of the Innovation Blueprint, a call for better access to capital for small businesses through improved venture capital pathways, and
• A look at the future of gas in NSW and it’s contribution to the energy transition.

If there's something making business harder for you, we want to know. Business NSW is here to back you, raise your voice, and get action. Email us at policy@businessnsw.com.