Mark Speakman
Leader of the Opposition
Robyn Preston
Shadow Minister for Western Sydney
Tim James
BShadow Minister for Small Business
The Minns Labor Government has abandoned Western Sydney businesses, with new data revealing that six of the highest-risk regions for business collapse in the entire country are in Sydney's west.
Recent data[1] has revealed business-to-business payment defaults have surged by 42 per cent nationally over the past year, a clear sign of the worsening economic pressures facing local businesses.
The situation is most dire in Bringelly–Green Valley, which now holds the grim title of the highest forecast business closure rate in Australia, with 7.9 per cent of businesses expected to shut their doors in the next 12 months.
These regions are already under pressure — with high personal insolvency, lower-than-average income levels, and rising commercial rents driving businesses to the brink.
And still, Labor has no plan.
Western Sydney is not just a region — it's a powerhouse. It is home to roughly one in every eleven Australians[2], boasts the third-largest economy in the country, and encompasses vast national parks, waterways and green spaces. Yet despite its scale and significance, Western Sydney suffers from higher-than-average unemployment and now, rising business failure.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Western Sydney carries the weight of this state's economic future — and yet under Labor, it's been treated with contempt.
"While families lose cost-of-living support and businesses go to the wall, Chris Minns offer nothing but spin," Mr Speakman said.
Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Robyn Preston said Western Sydney is being hit from all sides — rising costs, fewer jobs, and no support from the very government that promised to have their back.
"The people of Western Sydney deserve better than this," Ms Preston said.
Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James said Chris Minns Labor has turned his back on the small businesses that keep this state going.
"Whether it's retail, construction or hospitality — these businesses are being crushed while the government cuts support and hopes no one notices," Mr James said.
The Member for Badgerys Creek Tanya Davies said when payment defaults are up 42 per cent and entire sectors are collapsing, the Premier and Minister for Small Business should be front and centre.
"Instead, they're nowhere to be found. The Minns Labor Government has walked away from Western Sydney," Ms Davies said.
Labor's decision to slash proven cost-of-living support like the Active Kids, Creative Kids, First Lap and Back-to-School vouchers has only made things worse for struggling families and small businesses.
These programs, introduced by the Liberals and Nationals, delivered practical relief when it was needed most.
Under Chris Minns, Western Sydney isn't just being forgotten — it's being left behind.
[1] https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/rcegws/rcegws/About/about_greater_western_sydney
