Will This Be the Most Expensive Year Yet for Business?

by Chamber President, Allan Milostic

Will This Be the Most Expensive Year Yet for Business?

As we approach the new financial year, many business owners are asking the same question: Will this be the most expensive year yet to operate a business?

This week alone has highlighted the range of changes businesses are preparing to absorb.

From 1 July, modern award wages will increase by 4.75%, and the introduction of payday super will require employers to pay superannuation with each pay cycle, creating new payroll, compliance and cash flow pressures. From 1 October 2026, changes to card surcharge rules will also take effect, meaning businesses will still incur transaction fees but will no longer be able to pass them on separately to customers, instead needing to factor them into overall pricing.

Locally, the Chamber has been actively advocating throughout both the Whitsunday Regional Council Budget and the Queensland State Budget process. While we welcome Council’s commitment to improving long-term financial sustainability, businesses will rightly expect that increased costs are matched by measurable improvements in infrastructure, services and the operating environment.

At the state level, business confidence remains subdued. Rising operating costs, workforce shortages, insurance, energy, fuel and regulatory pressures continue to weigh heavily on regional businesses, reinforcing the need for policies that encourage investment, productivity and confidence.

While the challenges are significant, so too is the resilience of our local business community. The Chamber will continue to ensure the voice of Whitsunday business is represented in these conversations, advocating for practical outcomes that strengthen our regional economy and support businesses to grow.

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we’ll continue working towards a stronger, more connected and more resilient Whitsundays business community.