Business Chamber Queensland, the state’s largest and most representative business body, welcomed the initiatives in the Queensland State Budget which go directly to supporting business confidence.    

“We see Tuesday’s Budget as a strong commitment from the government to invest in the infrastructure needed to support our state into the future and ensure we have investment certainty ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Business Chamber Queensland CEO Heidi Cooper said.  

“In our recent Pulse Survey, we heard directly from businesses that infrastructure investment certainty is contributing to improved business confidence across the state, and these announcements will be further welcomed by the business community. 

“But we also know that with persistently challenging operating conditions, low profitability and weak productivity, many businesses are still finding it tough to do business.” 

Ahead of the Budget, Business Chamber Queensland made more than 100 recommendations for clear, practical reforms to address current pressures and position Queensland businesses for the future. 

Top priorities for businesses ahead of the State Budget were operating cost relief, tax reform and improvement in regulatory burden, as well as ways to manage workforces and measures to enhance productivity, access procurement and grow export capability.    

“We have been pleased to see a commitment to many of the areas we raised as priorities ahead of the State Budget,” Ms Cooper said. 

“One of our top priorities has been a business-friendly government and improving regulatory burden, and we welcome a focus on increasing government efficiency and service delivery through the new Digital Fund.”  

Other Budget initiatives went to the continuing challenge of attracting skilled workforces.  Importantly, the 50% rebate on payroll tax otherwise payable on apprentice and trainee wages has been extended for another 12 months, while small businesses will gain access to rebates in this area too. These initiatives will support employers to build the workforce they need for the future. 

The Budget also included ways to improve business participation in the growth ahead in Queensland. 

“Businesses across the state told us they want to be involved in Queensland’s growth story, so we are pleased to see a commitment to simplified tender processes so more businesses can procure to government and be part of tender opportunities,” Ms Cooper said. 

“The spotlight will be on Queensland in 2032 with growing demand for Australian made products in global markets so support for businesses to grow their export capability was welcomed and would ensure that all Queensland businesses could take up the global opportunities ahead.” 

The Budget also included timely investments to relieve the economic impacts of community issues like housing and crime. 

“Thriving communities support thriving businesses, so we were pleased to see an investment in timely and immediate housing relief,” Ms Cooper said.  

“Businesses tell us they can’t employ people if there is nowhere for them to live. This investment acknowledges housing is not just a community, but an economic issue. 

“Equally, the Thriving Community Partnerships Fund, which supports local councils to increase security and safety in business areas, is a positive step in addressing the impact of crime on local businesses and workforces.  

“Housing and crime were among the most significant business issues we heard from our consultations with the business community, so it’s encouraging to see this focus in the Budget.” 

But the state’s peak business body warns business confidence is fragile and while there were positive measures for the business community in the Budget announcement, there is still work to do to give businesses long-term relief from high costs, low productivity and a challenging regulatory environment as well as the ability to invest in future growth. 

“This Budget supports the Queensland business community’s confidence and certainty of future economic opportunity, especially through infrastructure investments like the Bruce Highway upgrades and Olympics investments, but businesses still face ongoing day-to-day pressures,” Ms Cooper said.  

“Businesses across the state told us they were looking for a commitment to measures that will improve day-to-day operating challenges, as well as sustained, long-term and responsible economic policy management that will ensure businesses can thrive and feel confident to invest in the future.  

“Queensland businesses want to be ready to take advantage of the once-in-a-generation opportunities ahead, and we are pleased to see some initiatives in the Budget that position them to do that.  But there is still more work to be done. 

“Queensland businesses are resilient, but they need a clear roadmap for sustainable growth. We look forward to working with the government to ensure the business community is not just supported – but empowered.”