October 2025 update from the Commission
31 October, 2025
October Update from the Commission
Spring has brought momentum across the small business community. As we head into the final weeks of the year, this month’s edition focuses on change and preparation, from new sustainability and waste management requirements to the growing role of digital platforms and data transparency in shaping fairer markets.
Red Tape Survey and Small Business Month Wrap-Up
As October NSW Small Business Month and the Red Tape Survey end, the Commission extends its heartfelt thanks to the many small business owners, presenters, hosts and collaboration partners who generously gave their time and expertise to make these initiatives a success. The level of participation and engagement across the state has been outstanding, with our collaboration partners holding over 300 events for Small Business Month.
It has been inspiring to see the strength, creativity and commitment of the small business community in action, and the Commission has greatly appreciated the many opportunities to meet with business owners, hear their stories firsthand, and attend events across NSW. We’ve visited chambers, councils and small businesses in Canterbury, Bankstown, North Sydney. Mudgee, Vincentia, Walcha, Armidale, Maitland, Wagga Wagga and Queanbeyan, and witnessed many online events in action.
If you attended an event, we would love to hear from you. Your feedback will help us to make improvements to future NSW Small Business Month programs.
The Red Tape Survey has now closed, with well over 1,000 responses received and many business owners generously taking part in one-on-one consultation interviews to provide deeper insights into red tape challenges. Many participants expressed their appreciation that the NSW Government is actively listening and working to make it easier to do business. The Commission values the constructive feedback, insights and practical suggestions shared, which reflect the strong commitment of small business owners to shaping a more supportive regulatory environment. Over the coming months, the Commission will consolidate this feedback and develop recommendations to address key issues and further improve the way government works with small business.
Feature Articles
If you earn through an app or platform, the ATO will know – Be Tax Ready
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is now receiving transaction data directly from digital platforms under the Sharing Economy Reporting Regime (SERR). Platforms like eBay, Amazon, Airbnb, Uber, PayPal and Square must report payments made to users, allowing the ATO to match this information against tax returns
This measure is in place to enable identification of undeclared income and to improve tax compliance. Small businesses using online marketplaces, gig platforms or merchant facilities should review their record-keeping and ensure all earnings are correctly reported. The ATO provides free online courses and guidance to help business owners understand their obligations and maintain compliance.
Link to Article: If you earn through an App or Platform, the ATO will know – Be Tax Ready | NSW Small Business Commissioner
NSW FOGO Rollout: New Food Organics Rules for Businesses from July 2026
From 1 July 2026, new Food Organics (FO) collection rules will apply to businesses that prepare or serve food, including supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, hotels, hospitals and schools
The rollout will occur in stages, beginning with the largest waste producers and expanding to smaller businesses by 2030. All affected businesses will need a dedicated FO collection service, with waste collected at least weekly. Non-compliance may lead to penalties under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.
An exemption framework is being developed by the NSW EPA to account for challenges in remote areas or facilities with limited space or infrastructure. Businesses are encouraged to plan early with waste providers and monitor upcoming requirements through the EPA’s FOGO mandates webpage.
Climate-Related Reporting: How Big Business Rules Could Affect Small Business
From 1 January 2025, Australia’s largest businesses and financial institutions have been required to publish annual sustainability reports containing mandatory climate-related financial disclosures.
While many small businesses are not directly captured, those supplying or contracting with large entities may be asked for emissions or climate-data as part of their value chain reporting.
Smaller businesses can prepare by familiarising themselves with climate-related disclosures and emissions concepts using free tools such as the SME Climate Hub or ASIC’s sustainability reporting resources.
Link to Article: https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/news-podcasts/news/why-big-business-climate-related-reporting-could-soon-affect-small-business
Lessons and tips from ATI Art School & Centre: a small business journey
Meet Atefeh Hekmat, artist and founder of ATI Art School, whose journey from refugee to entrepreneur is filled with practical insights for small business owners. Read her story and discover practical tips for navigating the small business landscape, along with a range of tools, guides, and support services for your business.
Link to Article: https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/news-podcasts/news/lessons-and-tips-from-ati-art-school-centre-a-small-business-journey
Momentum Survey
The September Momentum Survey is now available. It shows that small business confidence remained steady at 27 per cent in September, marking the second consecutive month of stability after earlier declines. The Momentum Index eased slightly to 102.9, but remained in expansionary territory, reflecting modest improvement in recent and expected business performance. While cost pressures and red tape remain key concerns, optimism about profitability and revenue rose compared with the previous month (August).
To register your interest in participating in the Momentum Survey, visit here.