Queensland sole traders outshine southern states in confidence and stability

MEDIA RELEASE

Brisbane 24 March 2026 - Queensland sole traders are amongst the most confident in the country, with new research showing they feel more secure, optimistic and stable than those in New South Wales and Victoria.

The latest Hnry Sole Trader Pulse, an independent survey of Australia's self-employed workforce, found 62% of Queensland sole traders rate their job security as good; the highest rate nationwide. They also report feeling more satisfied with their financial position and more positive about the year ahead than those in southern states. 

Around 1.6 million Australians are sole traders, and approximately 250,000 are in Queensland. Photographer Richard Cox, who moved to the state from South Australia and became self-employed after relocating, says it offers stability and opportunity not available elsewhere.

"There's a good sense of confidence at the moment, less drama, and it feels like a great place to run a business," he says. "The government seems switched on and supportive of sole traders. If I didn't book another job for the rest of the year, I'd still be financially stable."

Communications consultant James Hita, who moved to Brisbane from New Zealand, says Queensland's culture of ambition and positivity has shaped his own success.

"2026 has been huge. I'm financially stable and looking at ways to grow," he says. "Queensland feels fresh and exciting, and people here really back small businesses. I followed many others from New Zealand looking to Australia for prosperity and opportunities, and I've found it," he says.

The Pulse also shows that more than half of Queensland respondents have seen their quarterly income increase. Hnry Australia Managing Director Karan Anand says the data highlights what happens when sole traders feel genuinely supported.

"Queensland's sole traders are busy, confident and growing. They're working across every industry and profession, playing a crucial role in keeping the economy moving, especially in sectors like construction and healthcare, where flexible labour is in high demand to meet shortages. 

Their optimism reflects what's possible when independent workers are backed by communities that genuinely believe in them."

Nicolle Kelly, Queensland Small Business Commissioner, agrees. 

"Queensland is the best place in Australia to be a sole trader because of our dynamic local economy, supportive business networks, and a government committed to empowering small businesses with resources and opportunities," she says.

"Queenslanders take pride in supporting each other and, from our vibrant cities to our regional hubs, sole traders can benefit from an unbeatable lifestyle, a strong sense of community, and access to growing markets both locally and globally. These aspects, combined with the opportunities afforded by the Brisbane 2032 Games and the new government procurement policy, make Queensland the perfect place to start and grow your business".

While the Olympics are still six years away, Cox says opportunities are already emerging.

"Regional centres like Toowoomba are upgrading facilities and things are ramping up," he says. "I've already registered to be involved, but predict there'll be even more regional opportunities over the next few years."

The latest Hnry Sole Trader Pulse has a maximum margin of error of +/- 4.4%. 

About Hnry:

Hnry is the world's first all-in-one service for sole traders, providing digital accounting and tax automation. Designed to make self-employment simple, affordable and stress-free, Hnry is available in the UK, Australia and NZ and processes billions of dollars in payments each year; it automatically calculates and pays taxes as you earn and takes care of invoicing and expenses with on-demand accountancy support - meaning you never have to think about tax again. Since launching in 2018, it has raised nearly $100 million in investment and is Australasia's fastest-growing accountancy service. Hnry was named on the Forbes Asia 100 To Watch 2025 list and won the People's Choice Award for 'Fintech Organisation of the Year' in 2022 and 2023. Hnry recently won the 'Innovation in Financial Services' category at the 2024 INFINZ Awards. Find out more at www.hnry.com.au .

ENDS

For further information:

Jenny Westdorp, Thorn PR | 0413 334 425 | jenny@thornpr.co