Businesses Urge Regulatory Reform to Cut Costs
Industry leaders say a renewed national focus on regulatory reform this year is critical to unlock much needed investment and productivity growth, the latest Australian Industry Group national survey has found.
The annual Australian Industry Group Outlook Survey, now in its 13th year, shows industry leaders have identified three pressures that will define 2026:
“Industry leaders are clear that without meaningful regulatory reform, our current higher-cost, lower-growth business conditions are likely to become entrenched,” said Innes Willox, Chief Executive of Australian Industry Group.
“Persistent cost pressures – whether from inflation, workforce shortages or energy prices – continue to strain balance sheets. Industry plans to raise technology investments in 2026 to deliver productivity uplifts that can manage rising costs.
“Government is also a major source of cost pressures on industry – 37% of leaders cite tax burden, and 33% compliance burden, as a leading negative impact on their business.
“Mounting regulatory burdens are adding to cost pressures at a time when business can least afford it. No amount of tech investment can compensate for poorly designed regulation or uncompetitive tax settings.
“The message from industry leaders is clear: regulatory reform is essential if we are to deliver the higher investment levels needed to drive a return to productivity and robust growth.
“The Treasurer’s Economic Reform Roundtable last August canvassed a wide range of potential reforms, across issues as diverse as planning, licensing, skills, federalism, tax and more. Now is the time to get on with the job and deliver these reforms,” Mr Willox said.
A full copy of the Australian Industry Group survey report is available here
Key findings of the 2026 survey:
The 2026 Industry Leaders Outlook Survey was conducted in October and November 2025, with responses from 225 private-sector businesses across Australia.
https://www.australianindustrygroup.com.au/news/media-centre/2026/businesses-say-regulatory-reform-is-essential-to-counter-rising-business-costs/
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