Business NSW New England North West (NENW) is calling for targeted reforms in the upcoming NSW Budget, warning that rising energy, insurance, and compliance costs are pushing many small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to the brink.
The regional peak body said the burden of rising operational expenses is undermining business viability and threatening jobs in local communities.
Rising insolvencies highlight business stress
Recent insolvency data highlights the growing pressures on businesses across New South Wales:
- More than 6,200 NSW businesses entered insolvency in 2025.
- The construction sector was the most affected, with 1,473 companies entering liquidation.
- Hospitality recorded 752 businesses placed…