The Pavilion hosted a full house on Thursday as Business Illawarra welcomed NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman, Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope and Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James for an exclusive members’ forum.

Business Illawarra director Coralie McCarthy moderated the wide-ranging conversation, which covered the challenges facing small business, housing pressures and the state’s infrastructure priorities.

Speakman described the Illawarra as “one of the most magnificent places in NSW,” before outlining his party’s economic platform.

Mark Speakman and Serena Copley with local business leaders and Council representatives. Photo: Business Illawarra

“Small business is the engine room of our economy. Our ethos as Liberals is to help business - our job as government is to make it easier for businesses to generate jobs, opportunities and growth.”

He warned of “headwinds” for business, citing high energy costs, rising premiums, sluggish demand and record insolvencies.

He also criticised the government’s budget approach, predicting cuts to infrastructure would hit regional communities hardest.

Housing affordability and stamp duty reform were also in focus.

Speakman flagged incentives for downsizers and restoring the option of a property tax for first-home buyers.

He has also pledged a $26 million upgrade to Kiama Sports Complex and support for freeing up Spring Creek land for housing.

Audience members raised concerns about cuts to tourism funding, rising workers’ compensation premiums, and the need for social and affordable housing.

Local councillors, business leaders and tourism advocates stressed the importance of government support for the region’s economy and liveability.

While the next state election is still 18 months away, Speakman said the Opposition would continue to put forward policies “progressively to the people,” noting, “the best predictor of what we’d be like in government is what we’ve done in the past.”