What does the 2025-26 Federal Budget mean for your business?
The Federal Budget offers small wins for business, but many of the real challenges facing regional NSW — like workforce shortages, rising costs, and lack of infrastructure — remain.
1. Rising Costs & Energy Relief
Energy Bill Relief: Small businesses can receive $150 in energy rebates (two payments of $75) through to December 2025 — helpful but not enough for high power users in our region.
No Instant Asset Write-Off Extension: The popular tax break for equipment purchases ends on 30 June 2025, reverting to a $1,000 limit.
2. Workforce & Skills Shortages
Apprenticeship Support: $10,000 for apprentices in housing construction and $5,000 for employers under the Priority Hiring Incentive — good news for trades but doesn't solve broader workforce gaps.
Non-Compete Clause Ban: Workers earning under $175,000 can move freely between jobs, which may attract talent but create competition for local businesses.
3.Infrastructure & Regional Constraints
Infrastructure Investment: $17.1 billion over 10 years for road and rail projects, but no direct benefit yet for regional transport needs.
Housing Shortages: No new initiatives to address the ongoing shortage of affordable housing, which impacts worker relocation and retention.
4.Sector-Specific Support
Support for Fresh Produce Suppliers: $2.9 million to help suppliers understand their rights under the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct.
Crackdown on Illegal Phoenixing: $3 million for enforcement against businesses avoiding tax and underpaying workers.
5. Indigenous Business Support
$23.9 million for Indigenous procurement and $3.4 million for mentoring First Nations businesswomen.
While the Budget addresses cost-of-living pressures and some skills shortages, regional businesses still face significant barriers, particularly around workforce retention, energy costs, and infrastructure. Continued advocacy for targeted support in these areas is crucial.
Websites
- Budget 2025 -26
- ABC NEWS - What the federal budget holds for businesses ahead of the election
- NAB Business Resarch & Insights- 2025 Federal Budget: What it means for Business
- Business.gov.au- What does the budget mean for your business
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