The Commonwealth independent contractor laws came into effect on 1 March 2007.
To determine if these laws apply to you, you must first establish whether you are an independent contractor.
The Department has developed an online Decision tool for independent contractors, employees, employers and hirers. It will help you understand whether a person is likely to be an independent contractor or an employee at common law. You can access the tool by clicking here.
It is important to be aware that several other pieces of legislation have a different definition of who is an ‘independent contractor’, including those relating to workers compensation.
At a practical level, this means if you are an independent contractor covered by the independent contractors laws, you will not necessarily be a contractor for other laws.
For further information you can contact the Independent Contractors Hotline on 1300 667 850.