Business NSW New England North West (NENW) has welcomed the NSW Government’s renewed focus on cutting red tape for small businesses, following the announcement by Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin of a review aimed at reducing administrative burdens on cafés, restaurants, and local retailers.
The Government’s commitment to simplifying approvals, reducing duplication and ensuring clearer compliance obligations is strongly aligned with what businesses across the New England North West have been calling for.
Regional Director of Business NSW New England North West, Stephanie Cameron, said the State’s businesses are being suffocated by excessive regulation and the time spent meeting compliance obligations.
“Red tape is costing NSW businesses more than $570 million a year, forcing them to spend millions of hours on excessive and unnecessary compliance.”
“Our latest Business Conditions Survey from earlier last month reveals 35 per cent of businesses spend more than 21 hours a month to meet compliance requirements.”
Ms Cameron said the burden is particularly heavy for smaller operators.
“Policies that increase costs or red tape hit small businesses first and hardest. Even modest cost increases can be absorbed by large firms but devastating for micro businesses and sole traders.”
“In 2024, businesses across the state spent more than 164 million hours – the equivalent of 977,000 weeks – just meeting compliance obligations.”
“Small businesses cop the brunt of red tape burden. In February 2025, 39 per cent of small businesses said they were considering selling or closing their business due to regulatory and compliance requirements, compared to 36 per cent and 23 per cent of medium and large businesses.”
Ms Cameron said the Government’s review is an important step.
“Cutting red tape takes pressure off SMEs, saving time, reducing costs and helping businesses thrive.”
What Business NSW is calling for:
To deliver meaningful and lasting change for businesses in the New England North West and across NSW, Business NSW urges the Government to introduce three priority reforms:
- Create a permanent online “red tape reporting” portal where businesses can directly report regulatory problems, supported by twice-yearly government forums to address systemic issues.
- Reduce Development Application (DA) fees and associated costs to ease the financial strain on small businesses.
- Standardise DA requirements across councils and streamline the DA process, removing unnecessary delays and uncertainty.
“These reforms would make an immediate and measurable difference,” Ms Cameron said. “Local businesses want to comply, but they need a system that is practical, consistent and proportionate.”
Business NSW New England North West will continue working closely with members and government to ensure small businesses have the conditions they need to grow, hire and contribute to the region’s economic strength.
Media Release: Business NSW New England Northwest (NENW)
