Business NSW calls for action in wake of Federal election

Business NSW has congratulated Central Coast Federal MPs Emma McBride (Dobell), Dr Gordon Reid (Robertson) and Pat Conroy (Shortland) on their re-election on May 3 and called for a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges facing the region’s small and medium businesses (SMEs).

Regional Director Scott Goold said the local business community looked forward to working closely with the returned Labor Government to ensure a growth agenda that supported job creation, innovation, and resilience for the region’s vital SME sector.

“Our region’s businesses are the backbone of the local economy, driving jobs and innovation — but they continue to face significant challenges including rising costs, skills shortages, housing supply constraints, and mounting regulatory pressures,” Goold said.

“We need to see real, practical reforms that will empower these businesses to thrive.”

Business NSW is urging the Government to move quickly on key election commitments, including: extending the instant asset write-off beyond June 2025 to support business investment and productivity; cutting red tape and maintaining labour market flexibility; addressing insurance, energy, and tax cost pressures; advancing critical infrastructure projects to improve regional connectivity and unlock new housing and employment land; and delivering solutions to skills and workforce shortages.

Goold acknowledged recent Federal investments in the Central Coast, including funding for Terrigal Dr upgrades and maternity services, but said more ambitious infrastructure investment was urgently required.

“Our members welcome recent commitments to improving transport and health services but unlocking housing supply and supporting job creation demands a broader, co-ordinated infrastructure plan for the Central Coast,” he said.

He also flagged the importance of ensuring industrial relations reforms, such as proposed changes to non-compete clauses, are carefully implemented to avoid unintended consequences for small businesses.

“We are ready to work in partnership with the Federal Government to ensure policies reflect the realities faced by our region’s businesses and foster a sustainable, resilient, and innovative local economy,” Goold said.

“As the voice for business across NSW, we remain committed to advocating for the growth and prosperity of the Central Coast business community and the hardworking people it supports.”