Scruby Brings NSW Small Business Commissioner to the table with Pittwater Businesses
Rising costs, empty shopfronts and red tape topped the agenda as Independent Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby MP brought local business owners together with the NSW Small Business Commissioner for a roundtable on the challenges facing Pittwater businesses.
Federal Member for Mackellar Dr Sophie Scamps MP, Pittwater Business (powered by Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce), Avalon Business Collective and business owners from across the electorate, including Terrey Hills, joined the discussion.
A recent Pittwater Business survey found 57.5% of respondents identified rising operating costs as a major challenge, 52.5% struggled to attract customers and 45% cited administrative pressures.
“Pittwater businesses are feeling the squeeze from rising costs, difficult trading conditions and the constant burden of red tape,” Ms Scruby said.
“Bringing the NSW Small Business Commissioner to the table ensures our local businesses are heard directly and helps turn their experiences into practical reforms that cut costs and improve productivity.”
Ms Scruby said the Commissioner identified several issues raised at the roundtable as worthy of reform, including support for small business sales, incorporating AI productivity advice into the Small Business Advisory Program and addressing empty shopfronts.
“I will be pursuing payroll tax reform, measures to reduce long-term shop vacancies, Buy Local initiatives and stronger support for our local chambers of commerce,” Ms Scruby said.
“These issues extend beyond Pittwater, and I look forward to working with the Commissioner to build support for reforms that benefit small businesses across NSW.
“Empty shopfronts hurt every retailer. We need to examine sensible tax incentives alongside a fair and effective levy on long-term vacant shopfronts, with revenue reinvested in local small business initiatives.
“Getting the settings right will take work, but we should be looking at what has worked elsewhere and how NSW can lead.”
Attendees also welcomed practical steps to improve access to existing support, including the four free hours of advice available through the Small Business Advisory Program, which was reinstated following calls from Ms Scruby and other MPs.
“My job is to push for reform and make sure Pittwater businesses benefit from the support we help secure,” Ms Scruby said.
“On Thursday 10 December, I’m holding a briefing for local businesses on the Community Improvement Districts Program. I will also advocate for the Minister to declare the Northern Beaches LGA eligible for the program.
“As a former small business owner, I know how mounting costs and administrative demands can feel like death by a thousand cuts. I have the backs of Pittwater businesses and will keep pushing for practical changes that make running a business easier.”
Kylie Harding, President of Pittwater Business, powered by Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Our members have told us what's hurting: rising costs, finding customers and red tape. Putting those voices in front of the Small Business Commissioner is exactly the kind of advocacy local business needs, and we thank Jacqui Scruby for making it happen.”
