Hire employees and contractors in Australia
Outstaffer’s guide to employing in Australia.
Facts & stats
Australia’s talent pool is abundant with diversity and uniqueness. Australian workers are highly-skilled, multicultural and educated, and 85% of them live within driving distance of major cities.
With one of the most developed economies in the world, Australia is a top choice for premier international talent.
- Capital city
- Canberra
- Currency
- Australian dollar ($, AUD)
- Official Languages
- English
- Population size
- 25,771,300 (2020 census)
- Ease of doing business
- Very Easy
- Cost of living index
- $$$$ (14 of 139 nations)
- Payroll frequency
- Bi-monthly
- VAT - standard rate
- 10%
- GDP - real growth rate
- 2.2%
Tech Talent in Australia
Australia is recognized for its burgeoning tech talent ecosystem, characterized by a skilled community of software developers, engineers, and IT professionals. The country's universities produce graduates with strong technical skills, while cities like Sydney and Melbourne have evolved into thriving tech hubs, attracting startups and tech giants. Australia's commitment to research and innovation, along with a welcoming environment for skilled immigrants, has further fueled the growth of its tech sector. Australian tech talent is esteemed for its innovation, problem-solving abilities, and contributions to emerging technologies, playing a pivotal role in the country's standing as a competitive player in the global tech landscape.
Grow your team in Australia with Outstaffer
Looking to employ workers in Australia? Companies hiring in Australia must either own a legal entity in the country or work with a global employment solutions provider, usually one that provides employer of record services.
Outstaffer makes it easy for companies of all sizes to employ workers in Australia using our employer of record solution. We can help employ your Australian team using our local Australian entity, as well as handle your payroll, benefits, taxes, and local legal compliance.
Minimum wage
In Australia, the minimum wage for workers 21 years and older is $19.49 per hour. For workers under 21 years, the minimum wage is $9.13 per hour.
Compulsory superannuation contribution
Note that all Australian employers must contribute to the employee’s superannuation fund (Australia's version of a retirement pension).The Australian Super guarantee (SG) is the minimum amount employers must pay to avoid
incurring a super guarantee charge. As of July 1st 2022, the super guarantee is set at 10.5% of an employee’s ordinary time earnings, but this figure is scheduled to increase progressively up to 12% by July 1, 2027.
Payroll cycle
All employee payments are made bi-monthly by Outstaffer.com on your behalf and passed through to you.
Onboarding time
We can help you get a new employee started in Australia fast. The minimum onboarding time we need is only 14 working days.
Our team ensures your employees are onboarded and paid as quickly as possible while keeping your business compliant with all local employment legislation. The minimum onboarding time begins after the employee submits all required information onto the Outstaffer platform. The onboarding timeline is also dependent upon registration with local authorities.
For all non-nationals of the country of employment, the Right to Work assessment (if applicable) will add three extra days to the total time to onboard. There may be extra time required if we need to follow-up on the right to work assessment.
Please note, payroll cut-off dates can impact the actual first day of employment. Outstaffer has a payroll cut-off date of the 10th of the month unless otherwise specified.
Employing in Australia
Labor regulations in Australia are split between federal and state laws. Many of the country’s employment rules are codified in the Fair Work Act, which provides structure for collective bargaining agreements and sets minimum standards for employers in certain areas. The Fair Work Act covers issues including minimum leave entitlements, maximum working hours, termination guidelines, and severance pay.
Employers cannot cancel or change a visa in Australia. International workers in Australia still have rights and protections at work that are enforced by the Australian government. Only the government has the power to withdraw or update a work visa.
To employ workers in Australia, contact Outstaffer to learn more about your options.
Risks of misclassification
Public holidays
Australia recognizes seven federal public holidays. However, each Australian state recognizes additional local holidays, which employers must observe.
Jan 1
New Year's Day
Apr 7
Good Friday
Dec 25
Christmas Day
Jan 2
Additional public holiday for New Year's Day
Apr 10
Easter Monday
Dec 26
Boxing Day
Jan 26
Australia Day
Apr 25
Anzac Day
Competitive benefits package in Australia
Beyond providing your employees with all statutory benefits in Australia, Outstaffer can help you create a custom benefits package for your international team. A competitive benefits package may include perks such as:
Private health insurance
Supplemental dental insurance
Supplementary vision insurance
Supplemental maternity insurance
Supplemental screening & vaccine insurance
Additional paid holidays
Flexible work schedule
Employee engagement funds
Taxes in Australia
Learn how employment taxes and statutory fees affect your payroll and your employees’ paychecks in Australia.
Victoria
is the annual threshold triggering payroll tax 2.425%
for regional areas 4.85%
state payroll tax 1.2125%
for regional bushfire affected areas
Types of leave
Statutory leave
Salaried employees in Australia are entitled to four weeks of paid annual leave each year. Shift workers receive an additional week of paid leave, for a total of five weeks per year.
Parental and maternity leave
Salaried employees in Australia are entitled to four weeks of paid annual leave each year. Shift workers receive an additional week of paid leave, for a total of five weeks per year.
Paid parental and maternity leave
Salaried employees in Australia are entitled to four weeks of paid annual leave each year. Shift workers receive an additional week of paid leave, for a total of five weeks per year.
Partner/paternity leave
Salaried employees in Australia are entitled to four weeks of paid annual leave each year. Shift workers receive an additional week of paid leave, for a total of five weeks per year.
Parental leave
Salaried employees in Australia are entitled to four weeks of paid annual leave each year. Shift workers receive an additional week of paid leave, for a total of five weeks per year.
Other leave
Salaried employees in Australia are entitled to four weeks of paid annual leave each year. Shift workers receive an additional week of paid leave, for a total of five weeks per year.
Employment termination
Termination process
An employer in Australia usually cannot terminate an employee without providing written notice. The employer may choose to let the employee work through the notice period or provide payment in lieu of notice. Notice periods and severance pay amounts may be negotiated in employment agreements.
Termination notice requirements in Australia vary depending on the number of employees the company has, the classification of the employee, and the length of time the employee has worked for the company.
Notice period
The notice period for terminating an employee in Australia depends on the tenure of the employee at the company.
- Employees with < 1 year of service are entitled to one week of notice.
- Employees with 1-3 years of service are entitled to two weeks’ notice.
Australia’s talent pool is abundant with diversity and uniqueness. Australian workers are highly-skilled, multicultural and educated, and 85% of them live within driving distance of major cities.
With one of the most developed economies in the world, Australia is a top choice for premier international talent.
Australia’s talent pool is abundant with diversity and uniqueness. Australian workers are highly-skilled, multicultural and educated, and 85% of them live within driving distance of major cities.
With one of the most developed economies in the world, Australia is a top choice for premier international talent.
- Employees with 3-5 years of service are entitled to three weeks’ notice.
- Employees with five or more years of service are entitled to four weeks’ notice.
Employees over the age of 45 who have been employed for at least two years are entitled to an additional week’s notice.
Probation periods
The notice period for terminating an employee in Australia depends on the tenure of the employee at the company.
- Employees with < 1 year of service are entitled to one week of notice.
- Employees with 1-3 years of service are entitled to two weeks’ notice.
Australia’s talent pool is abundant with diversity and uniqueness. Australian workers are highly-skilled, multicultural and educated, and 85% of them live within driving distance of major cities.
With one of the most developed economies in the world, Australia is a top choice for premier international talent.
Australia’s talent pool is abundant with diversity and uniqueness. Australian workers are highly-skilled, multicultural and educated, and 85% of them live within driving distance of major cities.
With one of the most developed economies in the world, Australia is a top choice for premier international talent.
- Employees with 3-5 years of service are entitled to three weeks’ notice.
- Employees with five or more years of service are entitled to four weeks’ notice.
Employees over the age of 45 who have been employed for at least two years are entitled to an additional week’s notice.
Severance pay
The notice period for terminating an employee in Australia depends on the tenure of the employee at the company.
- Employees with < 1 year of service are entitled to one week of notice.
- Employees with 1-3 years of service are entitled to two weeks’ notice.
Australia’s talent pool is abundant with diversity and uniqueness. Australian workers are highly-skilled, multicultural and educated, and 85% of them live within driving distance of major cities.
With one of the most developed economies in the world, Australia is a top choice for premier international talent.
Australia’s talent pool is abundant with diversity and uniqueness. Australian workers are highly-skilled, multicultural and educated, and 85% of them live within driving distance of major cities.
With one of the most developed economies in the world, Australia is a top choice for premier international talent.
- Employees with 3-5 years of service are entitled to three weeks’ notice.
- Employees with five or more years of service are entitled to four weeks’ notice.
Employees over the age of 45 who have been employed for at least two years are entitled to an additional week’s notice.
Get started with Outstaffer in three easy steps
01. Book a call or sign up
Book a call with one of our Solutions Managers or create your free account. It’s quick, easy, and you’ll be ready to get started in minutes.
02. Add your people
From new hires to your existing team, onboard them seamlessly with our simple-to-use self-serve platform
03. Dedicated onboarding
Our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way ensuring you’re confident, supported, and set up for success.