CHRONICLE COLUMN: 20 May 2025 | Balancing Wage Rises
Toowoomba’s small business community is bracing for more financial strain, with the Fair Work Commission’s recent announcement of a 3.5% increase to minimum wage and the rise of the Superannuation Guarantee to 12% from 1 July 2025.
We understand the intent—to support low-paid workers after years of stagnant wages. This is an increase which is essential to support the rising costs of living felt by all in our community.
But this rise, while well-meaning, presents a serious challenge for small business owners already juggling rising costs, skills shortages, and a complex regulatory environment.
Our café owners, childcare providers, tradespeople, and retailers aren’t multinationals.
Most local businesses don’t have big buffers. They’re running lean, and for many, this wage increase could mean scaling back hours, delaying new hires, or rethinking their future plans altogether.
Balancing Wage Rises presents serious challenges
Following the recent federal election, the government announced a few helpful measures—but not enough to ease the burden small businesses are feeling.
There’s a real opportunity here to do more: cut the red tape, offer targeted tax relief, and make it easier to hire and retain staff. Practical, long-term support and strategic thinking is essential to support small business during these times of mounting financial pressures.
Toowoomba’s small businesses aren’t asking for a free ride—they’re just asking for the tools to stay competitive, keep people employed, and continue contributing to our vibrant local economy.
If we want our region to thrive, it starts by making sure the businesses at its heart aren’t left behind. Have an opinion? Let us know at admin@toowoombachamber.com.au
