Steve Whan
Member for Monaro
MEDIA RELEASE
Thousands of Monaro Small Businesses under threat from Nationals block on Workers Compensation reform
Thursday, 7 August 2025
Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, says thousands of Monaro's 8,500 businesses could go broke if the Nationals and Liberals continue to block changes to NSW Workers Compensation.
Steve Whan said "the Nationals are blocking reform to workers compensation.
"It's a reform strongly supported by Business NSW and many local Chambers of Commerce
"But the Monaro Nationals are not listening to local businesses.
"The bottom line is that without this reform, NSW businesses will have to pay a 36 per cent increase in premiums over the next three years - even if they have no claims against them.
"I regularly speak to small business owners in Monaro, and so many tell me workers compensation is the one big threat to them saying in business. Premium increases are one thing, and if they have a claim, and cost gets even higher.
"We have around 1,900 construction businesses in this electorate and more than 750 businesses in retail, accommodations or food, those businesses tell me they will find staying open difficult without reform.
"Reform is not easy; the Minns Labor Government has had to grapple with difficult choices about how to ensure that people suffering work related injuries get the support they deserve, while addressing the galloping cost increases that come from the explosion in mental health injury claims.
"These are brave, tough decisions. But if we don't make them, the cost becomes unsustainable for business and our own huge insurance bill will stop us delivering the services people expect.
"Right now, the attempt to reform is being block in the NSW Legislative Council by the Liberals and Nationals.
"The blockers include Nationals members who claim to represent regional NSW, and who claim to be champions of small business.
"It's cheap politics from the Nationals, they think regional businesses won't notice what they are doing in Sydney.
"But this is real. This is risking a 36% increase in premiums, and the viability of tens of thousands of local small businesses, not only in Monaro, but across the state.
