Business confidence in NSW has fallen to its lowest level on record, with more businesses expecting to reduce staff than hire over the coming quarter, according to the latest Business NSW Business Conditions Survey.
The survey found businesses were becoming increasingly cautious about hiring and investment as they grappled with rising operating costs, softer consumer demand and broader economic uncertainty, alongside persistent labour shortages and higher borrowing costs.
This is of particular concern for the Western Plains, as the most recent Business NSW Regional Business Conditions Survey – covering the September quarter of 2025 – found the Far West & Orana recorded one of the state’s lowest business confidence readings then, at -69.2…