21 November 2025
North Sydney Council on Monday endorsed a proposal to convene a small business round-table to be co-hosted with NSW small business minister Janelle Saffin, aiming to identify practical measures to support local operators facing rising cost pressures, staffing shortages and tightening cash flow conditions.
The motion, moved by councillor Godfrey Santer, sets out a plan for Council to partner with the minister and the NSW Small Business Commissioner on an event bringing together chambers of commerce, business owners and key stakeholders from across the LGA. Santer told the meeting that small businesses formed “the backbone of our community” yet were operating under “real pressure” from input costs, interest rates, regulatory complexity and shifting consumer behaviour. Nearly 80% of Australian SMEs had experienced cash flow issues in the past year, he noted, while insolvencies in NSW were rising.
Santer said the round-table would not be a “talk-fest” but a structured forum built around identifying barriers such as compliance burdens, skills shortages, leasing constraints and digital capability gaps; exploring collaboration opportunities between Council and the state government; examining precinct activation and economic development; and strengthening local business resilience. “This is a valuable opportunity for us to show leadership and to demonstrate our commitment to a thriving, resilient local economy,” he said.
Under the motion, Council will invite Saffin to co-host the event with the mayor, provide logistical support for its organisation and promotion, and work with local business networks to ensure broad participation. Council will also prepare a post-event report outlining recommended actions for both levels of government.
The proposal aligns with Outcome 5 of Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2025–2035 and its Economic Development Strategy, which call for cultivating “a diverse, inclusive, connected and resilient business environment”.