More than 100 local business owners gathered in Campbelltown for a practical, solutions-focused forum hosted by icare, backed by the NSW Government, to help small businesses better navigate the state’s complex workers compensation system.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said the event was about “helping local employers support their workers to stay safe, return to work quickly and get home safely at the end of every day.”
The forum, attended by businesses from across Macarthur and South-West Sydney, delivered advice on managing premiums, preventing injuries, early intervention, and supporting mental health recovery.
Speakers from icare, SafeWork NSW and the NSW Government unpacked topics like Mentally Healthy Workplaces, Savings & Incentives for Small Business and Understanding your Employer Premiums.
Small business plays a big role in NSW’s economy, worth over $535 billion annually, and in South-West Sydney alone, 26,000 businesses employ more than 220,000 people, with almost $300 million in workers compensation costs each year.
Macarthur’s local MPs Greg Warren, Sally Quinnell and Judy Hannan all praised the initiative.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our region,” said Mr Warren. “Their commitment to finding smarter, more efficient ways to operate is what keeps the local economy moving.”
Ms Quinnell added, “These businesses are the heart and soul of our communities – we wouldn’t be on the map without them.”
With psychosocial injury claims rising, icare’s Adam O’Leary emphasised the importance of prevention and wellbeing: “Healthier workplaces are stronger workplaces.”
The event forms part of the Government’s push to reform NSW’s workers compensation system, strengthen workplace mental health support, and boost small business engagement across the state.
