Business NSW

31/03/2026

A new report from Business NSW, in collaboration with Macquarie University, reveals how SMEs are managing psychosocial hazard rules.

It was launched yesterday at our Sydney office by Mark Buttigieg MLC – Parliamentary Secretary for Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety. Macquarie University’s technical research report was also released, detailing the academic research behind the findings.

Key findings show that while many SMEs are taking steps to comply, the system can be complex and confusing.

Fewer than 1 in 3 businesses have completed essential actions such as:
• identifying psychosocial risks
• putting controls in place, and
• reviewing whether those controls are effective.

With SMEs representing 97% of NSW employers, this complexity is creating confusion, stress, and unintended gaps in workplace safety.

The report calls for:
• clear, plain-English rules
• simple, practical tools tailored for SMEs, and
• better coordination between regulators and industry.

Thank you to EML for supporting this important research.

View the report here: https://ow.ly/9nul50YB0kU

29/03/2026

“This is a fuel supply crisis and a huge problem for diesel distribution. National coordination will help ease this pressure.”
Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter says NSW is already resorting to emergency powers as Sydney and regional service stations run out of fuel.
Bulk supply for critical businesses in construction, mining and agriculture must be a national priority, and we welcome the Emergency Operations Centre in Parramatta focusing on this challenge.
Business NSW has joined chambers across Australia urging governments to step up action through a clear Four‑Point Plan to respond to the fuel crisis:
• Secure supply by working with international partners and alternative markets
• Ensure distribution by fixing gaps across transport, terminals and service stations
• Manage demand, starting with voluntary measures already adopted by many businesses
• Ensure business continuity through timely, targeted support to protect cash flow, jobs and operations
Australian businesses are adapting, but they cannot solve this alone. Governments must work closely with industry, act decisively and keep businesses moving through this crisis.
Read more: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/first-came-petrol-pain-now-get-ready-for-high-priced-groceries-20260329-p5zjoa.html

Ahead of a meeting of the nation’s leaders on Monday, there are warnings that the pain of filling up the family car will be matched in the grocery aisles.

26/03/2026

The latest gas outlook is a clear signal for business

Today’s Australian Energy Market Operator Gas Statement of Opportunities (GSOO) confirms that gas supply risks are increasing this decade, consistent with what businesses across NSW are already experiencing. While short-term conditions remain relatively stable, the outlook points to structural shortfalls emerging from the late 2020s.

This matters.

For many NSW businesses, gas is not easily substituted. It underpins core operations across manufacturing, food production, hospitality and other energy-intensive sectors — particularly where electrification is not yet technically or commercially viable.

At the same time, businesses are already managing rising energy costs and ongoing uncertainty.

Without action, those pressures will intensify impacting investment decisions, competitiveness and jobs.

Business NSW’s Running on Empty 2.0 sets out a clear pathway:
• Unlock new sources of supply — including progressing projects like the Narrabri Gas Project
• Recognise gas infrastructure as a transition asset — ensuring networks remain viable and investment signals are clear
• Scale renewable gas markets — including biomethane, to reduce emissions while leveraging existing infrastructure
• Ensure a coordinated energy transition — aligning gas and electricity policy so businesses can transition with confidence

This is not about choosing one energy source over another but ensuring the transition is practical, reliable and economically sustainable.

Because ultimately, energy policy is economic policy.

And getting it right will shape business confidence, investment and growth across NSW.
Read the report here:https://bczsaprodassetstorage.blob.core.windows.net/businessnswmedia/nswbcsharedmedia/businessnsw/media/pdf/running-on-empty-2-0-2025.pdf

25/03/2026

Our members are already showing what a practical path to lower emissions looks like.
InfraBuild, Australia’s only Electric Arc Furnace steel manufacturer, is leading a circular model that turns scrap steel into new steel for essential infrastructure and then recovers it again at end of life.
As InfraBuild CEO Francisco Irazusta explains:
“InfraBuild’s largest Scope 1 emissions source is natural gas, and we are exploring and assessing potential opportunities to replace natural gas, including commercially competitive biomethane, a key decarbonisation opportunity.”
Fuel supply shortages linked to the Middle East conflict are a stark warning. NSW is facing a gas supply crunch within two years.
That is why Business NSW told the Australian Financial Review that the NSW Government must urgently invest in renewable gases like biomethane.
Our latest report, Running on Empty 2.0, shows a looming gas shortage threatens households, businesses and jobs. It calls for greater investment in biomethane, a renewable gas produced from organic waste including food waste, agricultural residues, wastewater sludge and landfill gas.
Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter says biomethane is one of the fastest and most practical ways to boost supply while cutting emissions.
“NSW has a target that by 2035, 15% of gas used by industry comes from renewable sources.
“The NSW Government should work with industry, suppliers and retailers to increase the ambition of this target to 25%.”
Biomethane can be injected directly into the existing gas network, meaning manufacturers, restaurants and food processors can cut emissions without ripping out equipment or investing millions in electrification upgrades.
Gas remains critical to NSW’s economy, powering more than 1.5 million households and 50,000 small businesses, and supporting around 250,000 jobs. Nearly one in five NSW businesses rely entirely on gas, including 64 per cent of hospitality businesses.
With untapped landfill, wastewater and agricultural waste capable of meeting the state’s entire gas demand, biomethane is a jobs engine, a regional economic opportunity and a practical way to stabilise energy supply while cutting emissions.
NSW must act now.
Read the story in the AFR here: https://www.afr.com/politics/this-steelworks-says-food-waste-can-help-ease-the-gas-crunch-20260323-p5rmn6
Read our report here:https://bczsaprodassetstorage.blob.core.windows.net/businessnswmedia/nswbcsharedmedia/businessnsw/media/pdf/running-on-empty-2-0-2025.pdf

12/03/2026

NSW is not fulfilling its destiny and we need the State Budget to deliver.
Families are watching every dollar. Businesses are watching every investment. From kitchen tables to boardrooms, the message is the same: everything costs more than it used to.
When the cost of running a business rises, the cost of living rises too. With more than 900,000 businesses in NSW, higher costs flow straight through to menus, invoices and household bills.
Today, Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter appears in The Daily Telegraph, calling on the NSW Government to help with the upcoming Budget.
Here are the facts:
* Business confidence has been stuck in negative territory for five years
* Red tape is dragging the economy by $11 million every week, with almost four in 10 small businesses considering closing or selling
* Public liability insurance premiums are up to 60 per cent higher than in 2019, with NSW businesses paying at least 23 per cent more than their interstate competitors
* Energy costs remain high, with a projected gas shortfall from 2028–29 threatening industries that cannot electrify
What we are calling for in this Budget:
* Cut unnecessary red tape
* Fix the broken insurance funding model
* Manage the energy transition responsibly
* Restore and expand Business Connect to $20 million
* Unlock housing so workers can live near jobs
Families have tightened their belts. Businesses have too. This Budget needs to lower costs and lift productivity, or NSW risks another year of rising prices and falling confidence.
Read more 👇
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/daniel-hunter-business-needs-a-boost-in-the-upcoming-budget/news-story/c96a2aa7f1f42932d96f7b0b55e8c34d

Read our NSW Pre-Budget Submission here: https://www.businessnsw.com/advocacy/submissions/nsw-2026-27-pre-budget-submission

10/03/2026

Business NSW’s Paula Martin, executive director – Regional NSW & Visitor Economy, shares her reflections on leadership, learning, and navigating change in the latest episode of The Inner Chief podcast.

She explains why creating “stable ground” is essential for teams to deliver operational excellence, especially in times of uncertainty. Paula also reflects on a single piece of mentoring advice that reshaped the way she approaches continuous learning, and why staying adaptable through shorter strategy cycles is becoming increasingly important for organisations.

She also highlights the value of being genuinely present and open when receiving feedback, and how this mindset can unlock better outcomes for leaders and teams alike.

It’s an insightful conversation with a leader who has spent her career championing growth, removing barriers for business, and driving innovation across NSW.

Listen to the episode here: https://ow.ly/yXwN50YrEsn

09/03/2026

Our CEO, Daniel Hunter, recently spoke to The Daily Telegraph about our latest Business Conditions Survey, and the message from our members is clear: red tape is hitting productivity and confidence hard.

Almost one in three businesses now spend more than $100,000 a year on compliance – more than the median full-time salary in NSW. More than a third also say they’re spending over 21 hours every month dealing with regulatory requirements.

“Red tape is fast becoming the most expensive employee on the payroll,” Mr Hunter said.

“Business owners are telling us they’re spending more time filling out forms than serving customers. That’s a serious drag on productivity.”

The survey also shows business confidence has taken a hit, with forward-looking confidence falling to its lowest level since November 2023.

With just over a year until the NSW state election, Business NSW is calling for urgent reforms to reduce the cost of doing business, including workers’ compensation reform, tackling council infrastructure backlogs and payroll tax reform.

Read the BCS report here: https://ow.ly/3FNB50Yr3VK

Read the article here: https://ow.ly/zcAK50Yr3VI

05/03/2026

On International Women’s Day, we recognise and celebrate the contribution of women across the business community.

Women are leading, building and scaling businesses across NSW, and sustainable growth requires more than ambition. It requires clarity, structure and the right support.

That’s why Business NSW members have access to the Business Growth Blueprint, an exclusive member benefit designed to strengthen performance and support profitable growth.

Through one guided session, you’ll gain:

✔ A personalised performance score across 12 critical success factors
✔ Insight into where your business is excelling
✔ Clear priorities for further growth
✔ A complimentary 30-minute consultation with Growth & Strategy Advisors

If you’re a member, book your Blueprint session and put your growth plans into action.
https://ow.ly/XKCv50YpsjX

Not yet a member? Join Business NSW to access exclusive tools that support sustainable business growth.
https://ow.ly/Zr9m50YpsjY

04/03/2026

The Workers’ Compensation Legislation Amendment Act 2025 has passed but is not yet in force.

Once it commences, large employers could face tougher penalties for failing to hold insurance.

A new offence will also apply to employers who recklessly fail to provide wage or other required information to icare for premium calculations.

We break down what’s changing and what it means for your business.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/qKsp50YoVJ4

23/02/2026

Could someone access your business systems under new laws?

The Digital Work Systems Act expands WHS laws to cover the digital tools you use every day, including AI, rostering, and online platforms. It gives workplace safety inspectors and WHS entry permit holders (including union officials) broader powers to access and inspect those systems when investigating suspected breaches.

That could mean greater access to sensitive operational and commercial information.

Many businesses aren’t aware this change is coming.

These new laws won't come into effect until guidelines outlining the procedures to be followed have been developed.

Business NSW will be at the table to ensure our members' interests are protected.

If you would like to be on an advisory panel for your industry, email us at [email protected]

Learn more here: https://ow.ly/5AVc50Yk4iY

16/02/2026

We know many of you are feeling the pressure of rising insurance premiums.

There is now real momentum for change, with Emergency Services Levy (ESL) reform heading to a NSW parliamentary inquiry. This is an important step toward fixing a system that has placed a heavy and increasing burden on small businesses.

Insurance is the number one cost concern for our members. The ESL adds at least 23% to the average business premium, and NSW is the only mainland state still funding emergency services this way.

Improving affordability is critical, especially for businesses in disaster prone areas that rely on accessible insurance to recover and rebuild.

We’ll continue pushing for a fair, transparent funding model that stabilises premiums and gives you greater certainty to plan and grow.

12/02/2026

Valentine’s Day is about showing you care.

At Business NSW, we’re showing our members we care by supporting what matters most, sustainable business growth.

Our Business Growth Blueprint is an exclusive member benefit designed to help you uncover practical strategies to increase profits and drive long-term success.

In just one guided session, you’ll receive:

✔ A personalised performance score across 12 critical success factors
✔ Your top strengths and key growth opportunities
✔ Clear, actionable recommendations
✔ A complimentary 30-minute consultation with Growth & Strategy Advisors

If you’re a member, request your appointment today.
https://ow.ly/nu3K50Ye8Vr

Not yet a member? Join Business NSW to unlock exclusive tools designed to grow and strengthen your business.
https://ow.ly/AzPc50Ye8Vs