Business NSW Central Coast says the 2025–26 Federal budget is underwhelming for business, with limited support for productivity, tax reform and small business growth.
Business NSW Regional Director Scott Goold said while income tax cuts and energy rebates are welcomed, the budget does not go far enough to address the cost and complexity of doing business – particularly for regional SMEs.
“This budget is underwhelming for business and lacks meaningful incentives for the very enterprises that keep our regional communities running,” he said.
“Small and medium-sized businesses across the Central Coast are dealing with rising costs, skill shortages and tight margins – and they need a more ambitious, business-led growth agenda.”
Goold welcomed Federal Government investment in Terrigal Dr – with $115M committed to reduce travel times – and $10M over four years to support maternity services on the Central Coast.
“These are positive and much-needed commitments for our region,” he said.
“Improving connectivity and access to health services is vital for our growing population.”
But he said the budget falls short on funding other critical infrastructure needed to unlock housing supply and drive economic growth.
“If we’re serious about addressing the housing crisis and creating new job opportunities, we need stronger investment in enabling infrastructure – things like transport links, water, sewer, and digital connectivity,” he said.
“These are the foundations of regional growth.”
Goold also raised concern about the proposed removal of non-compete clauses for workers earning below the high-income threshold from 2027.
“This change could significantly impact small business operators who invest time and resources into training staff, only to see them walk away and set up in direct competition,” he said.
“It’s a risk that could discourage employers from investing in their people.”
The omission of the instant asset write-off in the 2025–26 Budget is another key concern, Goold said.
“Despite being a vital tool to help businesses invest in equipment and improve productivity, there has been no commitment to continue the measure beyond 30 June, 2025,” he said.
“Our local SMEs need tools that allow them to grow and innovate.
“The lack of clarity on the asset write-off adds uncertainty at a time when confidence is already low.”
He said other relevant measures included: ip to $268 in additional income tax cuts for individuals from 2026 and again in 2027; $150 energy rebate for eligible small businesses through to the end of the calendar year; $54M nationally to accelerate modular housing construction; boosts to the Help to Buy scheme, raising income and property caps in regional centres; $3B to complete the NBN rollout, improving digital connectivity for businesses; and an incentive payment of $10,000 for eligible apprentices who train up in the housing sector, along with 100,000 free TAFE places annually from 2027.
“This budget offers a few positives, but it lacks the broader plan needed to truly support regional businesses and drive sustainable economic development on the Central Coast,” Goold said.
Best to take what we can get, I suppose. But until the government cracks down on pokies, negative gearing, and the capital gains tax discount, the funding just won’t be there
That all said, I’m happy with the budget. Could’ve been better, but it could’ve been much worse