News & Advocacy

From 1st July 2026, the Townsville Chamber of Commerce will introduce updated membership fees. Like every organisation in our region, we are experiencing the reality that the cost of doing business continues to rise. The Chamber is not immune to these pressures. To remain effective, independent, and capable of delivering the level of advocacy our members deserve, these adjustments are necessary and will apply to all renewals after 1st July.  This change comes at a time of significant momentum within the Chamber. With a revitalised team, renewed energy, and a clear strategic direction, we are strengthening our ability to represent and support the businesses of Townsville. The work underway now will lay the foundation for a stronger, more connected, and more influential Chamber.  As part of this evolution, the Individual Membership category will be removed. This category is not suitable for ABN holders or businesses, and streamlining our membership structure ensures that every member is aligned with the Chamber’s purpose as a business‑focused organisation.  We are also developing a Member Benefit Program, designed to deliver real value through discounts, partner offers, and exclusive opportunities. This program will ensure that membership not only supports the Chamber’s advocacy work but also provides tangible savings and benefits to members throughout the year.   Being part of the Townsville Chamber means belonging to a 144‑year‑old organisation that is member-funded, apolitical, and truly independent. That independence matters. It means we speak for business, not for government, not for donors, not for political interests. At a time when so many changes are occurring across policy, regulation, and the economic landscape, it is more important than ever that the Chamber is robustly enabled to advocate on behalf of Townsville businesses at all three levels of government.  Your membership ensures that the voice of business remains strong, credible, and impossible to ignore. We encourage all members to continue with us through this next chapter. The Chamber is growing, modernising, and becoming more influential and your support is essential to that progress.  If you would like to explore the updated structure, discuss your membership, or learn more about the upcoming benefits program, we welcome the conversation. 

The recent Roundtable with Gold Chamber Members, attended by Senator Matt Canavan, Phil Thompson MP, and Andrew Willcox MP, brought frank and valuable discussion on the real pressures facing Townsville businesses. Participants highlighted the impact of working holiday visas on hospitality, rising fuel prices, the escalating cost of doing business, and the broader implications of the Federal Budget. Conversations like this underscore the vital role the Chamber plays in ensuring the voices of Townsville businesses are heard in Canberra, advocating for practical policy settings that support growth, competitiveness, and regional prosperity.

Members were invited to take part in a roundtable with the Hon. Steve Minnikin, Minister for Small & Family Business on 22nd May 2026. A number of important topics were discussed including: Payroll Tax  Participants raised significant concerns about the ongoing burden of payroll tax  on small and medium businesses.  The Minister noted that removing payroll tax would leave a $6B revenue gap, prompting discussion about alternative revenue models.  Members emphasised that payroll tax continues to be a major inhibitor to growth, hiring, and regional competitiveness.  Regional Payroll Tax Discounts Ending in 2030   Members expressed strong concern about the scheduled end of regional payroll tax discounts.  Many operators rely on this concession to offset higher operating costs in regional Queensland.  The group highlighted that  backpackers are not counted as regional employees, despite being essential to hospitality and tourism businesses. This exclusion reduces the effectiveness of the concession for industries that depend heavily on seasonal and transient labour.  Duplication of Reporting Requirements   Members discussed the duplication of government reporting, particularly:  Businesses already provide detailed payroll and employment data through Single Touch Payroll (STP) to the ATO.  Despite this, the Queensland Government requires additional state-level lodgments, creating unnecessary administrative burden.  Participants questioned why  state and federal governments cannot share data, reducing duplication and compliance costs.  Insurance Costs and Reinsurance Pool   One member reported a  404% increase in insurance premiums, despite the introduction of the  Northern Australia Reinsurance Pool.  Businesses noted that the pool has  not yet delivered meaningful reductions in premiums for individual operators (although it has reduced premiums for many body corporates).   Insurance affordability remains a critical threat to business viability in North Queensland.  Cost of Doing Business   There was broad agreement that the  overall cost of doing business has escalated sharply, compressing profit margins. Key pressures include:  Energy costs  Insurance  Compliance  Freight  Labour shortages  One member highlighted the  high cost of freight, noting that fresh produce grown in North Queensland is transported to SEQ for processing and then returned north, resulting in a 16% higher cost  compared to SEQ-based businesses.  Workforce Attraction & Retention   Workforce shortages were a universal concern  across all industries represented.  Businesses are struggling to attract and retain staff in a competitive labour market.  Housing affordability and Townsville’s  very low rental vacancy rate  were identified as major barriers to workforce attraction.  Employment Legislation & Termination Processes   Members raised concerns about the  complexity and rigidity of termination laws.  Employers reported that removing toxic or non-performing employees requires a lengthy and costly process .  One example involved an employee who signed a contract but  never showed up for work.  The business was unable to replace the employee for  three months  due to procedural requirements, despite the employee never commencing duties.  Participants argued that current legislation does not reflect the realities of small business operations.  Three Levels of Government & Duplication   A broader discussion emerged about whether Australia requires three levels of government, given the significant duplication across departments.  Members questioned the efficiency of overlapping responsibilities and the administrative burden placed on businesses.  Apprenticeship Sign-Off Requirements   Concerns were raised about who is authorised to sign off apprentices, with inconsistencies and delays affecting workforce development and training pipelines.  Definition of a Small Business   Participants discussed whether the definition of a small business should be reconsidered. Chamber welcomes the honest feedback provided to the Minister from our Members on the realities of doing business in Townsville in 2026.  

The Townsville Chamber strongly supports the continuation of quarterly meetings between Chamber and the Mayor of Townsville. Maintaining a consistent and constructive dialogue with key stakeholders such as Townsville City Council is essential to advancing the economic and social prosperity of our region. Emma Peters, Chamber CEO met with Mayor Dametto in early May in the first of quarterly meetings.  These meetings provide an important forum to address shared priorities, including tackling workforce shortages, driving the revitalisation of our CBD, and ensuring local businesses have the support they need to grow and thrive. We look forward to strengthening this partnership and continuing to advocate for the interests of our members and the broader Townsville business community.