South Australia named best state for business by BCA

South Australia has been ranked as Australia’s top-performing state for business for the fourth consecutive year, according to the Business Council of Australia’s (BCA) 2026 Regulation Rumble report. The ranking is based on regulatory measures including payroll taxes, licensing requirements, and planning systems.

While South Australia led the index, business advocates noted that the ranking does not account for profitability, customer demand, or rising operational costs such as energy and fuel. The South Australian Business Chamber highlighted that businesses with a $2 million payroll still face the highest effective payroll tax rate in the country.

Victoria was ranked as the least desirable state for business for the third year in a row, hampered by high taxes, regulatory hurdles, and slow planning reforms. Although Victoria is phasing out business insurance duties by 2033, it remains at the bottom of most categories. Other regional highlights include the ACT’s lack of insurance duties, Queensland’s low workers’ compensation premiums, and Tasmania’s efficient planning timeframes.