South Australia has once again claimed the title of Australia’s best place to do business, topping the national rankings for the fourth consecutive year.
The Business Council of Australia’s (BCA) latest Regulation Rumble 2026 report has placed SA ahead of every other state and territory, recognising its competitive tax settings, straightforward licensing requirements and business-friendly planning system.
The report assesses how easy it is to establish and operate a business across Australia, examining everything from payroll tax and property charges to retail trading hours, insurance duties and regulatory requirements.
South Australia came out on top thanks to several advantages, including competitive payroll tax arrangements, a centralised planning system and the absence of stamp duty on commercial property transactions.
According to the BCA, these settings make it easier and less expensive for businesses to invest, expand and create jobs.
BCA Chief Executive Bran Black said, “South Australia has once again been named the best place in the country to do business, topping our Regulation Rumble rankings for the fourth consecutive year.
“That is no accident. South Australia has consistently focused on getting the fundamentals right, with competitive payroll tax settings, no stamp duty on commercial property and some of the simplest licensing requirements for businesses looking to get started.”
The recognition comes as South Australia’s employment figures continue to grow, with 991,300 people employed across the state in September, an increase of 2,100 from August.
The state’s unemployment rate has also fallen to 4.2 per cent, giving South Australia the equal-lowest jobless rate in the country.
And there is more investment on the way.
Global energy technology company Schneider Electric has announced a $2.5 million expansion of its manufacturing operations at Gepps Cross, with a new circuit breaker production line expected to create approximately 25 skilled jobs in Adelaide.
The investment will double local production capacity for the Pacific region, supporting growing demand from industries including defence, mining and data centres.
The new production line is expected to begin operating in early 2027, following Schneider Electric’s recent 10-year lease extension at its Gepps Cross facility, which currently employs approximately 450 people.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said, “Our payroll tax settings are the best in the nation and our decision to remove stamp duty on commercial transactions has removed barriers for investment and supported strong business growth.
“We are a pro-business Labor Government and this recognition is further evidence that we are building a strong and diverse economy that is creating opportunities for South Australians.”
Despite its top ranking, the BCA identified areas where South Australia could improve.
The report found SA still has more restrictive retail trading hours than much of the country and ranks last nationally for insurance duties, both of which add costs for businesses and consumers.
Bran Black said, “But being number one doesn’t mean the job is finished. South Australia still has restrictive retail trading hours compared with much of the nation and ranks last on insurance duties, both of which impose unnecessary costs on businesses and consumers.”
The fourth consecutive national win reinforces South Australia’s standing as an attractive destination for business investment, with competitive operating conditions and growing manufacturing activity supporting the state’s economy.
Related
Previous articleAdelaide weather forecast for Wednesday October 28th and the days ahead
