Tim James
Shadow Minister for Small Business
Shadow Minister for Fair Trading, Work Health and Safety and Building
Serena Copley
Liberal for Kiama
The NSW Liberals are calling on locals not to reward Labor for turning its back on small businesses.
Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James said rising costs are crippling small businesses across NSW, with regions like Kiama bearing the brunt of Labor's neglect.
"Under Labor, costs are up, insolvencies are up, and support has been cut. The NSW Labor Government must stop the excuses and start delivering real support for small businesses before more are forced to shut their doors," Mr James said.
"The government's decision to axe the Business Connect program is the final insult. Business Connect provided free, practical advice to small businesses navigating compliance, planning and financial management. It was one of the few lifelines available, and from 1 October it will be gone, with nothing to replace it.
"The NSW Labor Government has abandoned small business. At a time when bills are up and insolvencies are at record levels, Labor has scrapped one of the few supports that was working."
In 2024–25, a record 7,643 businesses were forced into insolvency – a 26.2% increase in just one year. From skyrocketing insurance premiums to soaring power bills, small businesses are being pushed to the wall while the NSW Labor Government stands by with silence, cuts and cancellations.
Liberal for Kiama Serena Copley said local small businesses are feeling the full weight of Labor's neglect.
"Running a small business has never been tougher. Local operators tell me they're being crippled by rising costs and now, with the loss of Business Connect, they'll be left completely on their own."
"Instead of helping the struggling local businesses, Labor has taken an important service away," Ms Copley said. "Labor should not be rewarded for delivering only cuts and excuses."
"Small businesses are the backbone of communities like ours. Kiama small businesses employ locals, sponsor local community organisations and sports teams, and create future opportunities for our kids and grandkids."
Local small business owner, Byron James Smith of Balanced World Remedial Massage and Education said, "Business Connect has been a vital program for small businesses like mine."
"Over the past few years I've found it incredibly useful in providing guidance, advice and support to help my business grow and adapt. Its success has been clear to so many across NSW, which makes the NSW Labor Government's decision to cancel it so disappointing. Losing a program that has been so vital leaves a real gap for businesses that depend on practical, on-the-ground support."
