Business and community leaders and members of the Canterbury-Bankstown Chamber of Commerce gathered on Monday evening at the Western Sydney University Bankstown Campus for an Exclusive Business Briefing with the NSW Treasurer, the Hon. Daniel Mookhey MLC.
Held on Monday 23 March 2026, the Exclusive Business Briefing started with introductory remarks by the Member for Strathfield, the Hon. Jason Yat-Sen Li. Director Planning of the City of Canterbury-Bankstown, Andy Sharp then provided a presentation outlining the local context, followed by the Treasurer’s keynote address and an interview by Joanne Tonks, General Manager of Watertight Group.
The Treasurer shared his insights on the state’s economic outlook, and discussed the government’s business support initiatives and investment in Western Sydney.
Many businesses had raised the need to reduce taxes and insurance premiums. The Treasurer addressed these concerns, described the Southwest Metro due to be complete in the second half of this year as a ‘game-changer’ for the area, and foreshadowed the upcoming NSW Budget as a budget of ‘discipline,’ which will focus on ‘responsible spending, careful investment and reform that supports growth.’
Particularly of note was when the Treasurer called again on the Federal Government to allocate a fairer share of GST for NSW. He emphasised that ‘this is holding NSW back’ and stated he was prepared to ‘fight’ on this issue.
Regarding the next NSW Election, to be held less than twelve months away on Saturday 13 March 2027, he also expressed full confidence and optimism.
On a lighter note, the Treasurer shared that his first job after high school was in a call centre in Parramatta, and he had also previously run a data consultancy business.
Other distinguished guests in attendance were Kylie Wilkinson MP, Member for East Hills; Paul Signorelli OAM, Executive Chairman, Dolton House Group; Aaron Warburton, CEO Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs; Tony Stewart, Chairman Bankstown RSL and Nahil Chidiac, Board Member Bankstown RSL.
Many small business owners, community leaders and media members also joined the event, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
This was another successful event organised by the Canterbury-Bankstown Chamber of Commerce, with CEO Wally Mehanna estimating approx. 150 attendees for the night.
