Mamma Minty

Hi there - just looking for some advice please.

I am currently in Perth on my husbands 457 and we hope to get our PR this year. I am a Change Management Contractor and have been working at one of the big oil and gas companies in Perth through a recruitment agency for about a year. The agency deducts my tax etc at source and I receive payment fortnightly.

The oil and gas company wants me again from beginning of Feb for about 6 months and I was wondering whether it would be more advantageous to set myself up as a sole trader, although I would still be placed at the company by the recruitment agency.

Are there any benefits to doing this and if so, what do I need to do next?

Thanks

The Bloke

Have you talked to a tax agent/accountant?
I guess as a sole trader you will have no paid sick leave, no holiday pay, have to do you own Business Activity Statement (for GST), arrange own superannuation.......
Wanted to work for a company (would have been my dream job) at Wynnum, but I decided against it because I wasn't confident enough to handle it all.

Mamma Minty

Thanks for your reply.

As I work as a contractor at the moment, I dont get sick or holiday pay, as I just get paid for the hours I put on my timesheet. As for the Business Activity Statement, would an accountant do this, or is it a fairly simple task I could do? I think a conversation with an accountant is in order

The Bloke

Probably a good idea. At least they should know the pros and cons.