Business Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Roundtable exposes wider concerns of Camden businesses

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Updated 30 Sep 2026

Kellie Sloan and Mick Willing in Camden.

CAMDEN businesses shared details of their struggles at a roundtable recently with NSW Liberal Leader Kellie Sloane and Camden Liberal candidate Mick Willing.

Ahead of Small Business Month in October, Business NSW says that business confidence across NSW is hitting rare lows. One in three businesses has reduced staff over the past quarter and one in five are expecting to cut staff over the next three months.

Mick Willing said the challenges facing Camden businesses would sound familiar to others across NSW.

“Today we heard stories of local businesses struggling to keep their heads above water,” said Mr Willing. “From energy to rent, and increasing cost of supplies, businesses are left with a terrible choice – raise their prices and lose customers, or absorb the costs and cut staff.”

“Closing of any small business hits the community here hard, it’s not just a loss of amenities and services; it’s the jobs and livelihoods of Camden residents. Local businesses create jobs, and when a single store or café closes that means fewer local jobs.

“If elected, I will keep standing up for Camden small businesses, to help them grow and create jobs with lower payroll tax and more funding for Business Connect,” Mr Willing said.

Owner of local café Crème Della Crème, Denny Irwan, said that his costs have gone up considerably, while customers are trying to save money often ordering half as much as they usually would.

“Our business has been down in the past couple of years, and we can only absorb that for so long before we have to think about having to take drastic measures.”

Steve Blackmore from Southern Cross Truck Rentals said the business community is worried about investing, given the current economic uncertainty.

“Businesses like ours have to plan ahead, and if we are worried about where the economy is going and what our customers will be able to do, then we’re not going to be hiring any more staff.”

NSW Liberal Leader Kellie Sloane said Camden businesses are sending a clear message. "At a time of record insolvencies, all Labor has had to offer is higher taxes and charges,” Ms Sloane said.

“The NSW Liberals has a plan for small and family businesses, to help them create jobs, invest locally and grow our economy by raising the annual payroll tax threshold, lowering the payroll tax rate and indexing the payroll tax thresholds.”