Australia hubs

Amber

Game Developer

AustraliaEnglish (English)$ AUD

Amber is a freelance game developer navigating the Australian digital economy, balancing tax obligations, industry grants, and the complexities of being a self-employed creative. This hub tracks everything from federal R&D tax incentives to essential digital infrastructure and health support for the self-employed.

Keeping the business afloat

Navigating the ATO and business registration is the biggest hurdle for a solo dev.

R&D Tax Incentive

national · AusIndustry and ATO

Who qualifies
Companies conducting eligible R&D activities in Australia.
What you get
A tax offset of up to 43.5% for eligible R&D expenditure.
What it actually costs you
Requires rigorous record-keeping and a formal registration process annually.
Common gotcha
Software development is often scrutinized; you must prove the 'technical risk' involved.

Australian Business Number (ABN)

national · Australian Business Register

Who qualifies
Any individual or entity carrying on an enterprise in Australia.
What you get
Legal recognition to trade, invoice, and claim GST credits.
What it actually costs you
Free to apply online; takes about 15 minutes.
Common gotcha
You must update your details within 28 days of any change.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) Registration

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Businesses with a turnover of $75,000 or more.
What you get
Ability to charge GST and claim input tax credits.
What it actually costs you
Requires quarterly or monthly Business Activity Statement (BAS) lodgments.
Common gotcha
Forgetting to register when you hit the $75k threshold is a common audit trigger.

Instant Asset Write-Off

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Small businesses with aggregated turnover under $10 million.
What you get
Immediate tax deduction for the cost of eligible assets.
What it actually costs you
Keep receipts and invoices for all hardware purchases.
Common gotcha
Thresholds change frequently; check the current year's limit.

business.gov.au Portal

national · Department of Industry, Science and Resources

Who qualifies
All Australian business owners.
What you get
Centralized access to grants, templates, and regulatory advice.
What it actually costs you
Time to navigate the search filters.
Common gotcha
It's a massive site; use the 'Grant Finder' tool specifically.

myGov Business

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Anyone with an ABN.
What you get
Single sign-on for ATO, payroll, and government services.
What it actually costs you
Requires linking your ABN to your personal myGov account.
Common gotcha
Ensure your digital identity (myGovID) is set to 'Strong' for full access.

Funding my next project

Game dev is expensive; grants help bridge the gap between prototypes and release.

Games: Production Fund

national · Screen Australia

Who qualifies
Australian-owned game development studios.
What you get
Direct funding for game production.
What it actually costs you
Requires a detailed pitch deck, budget, and project plan.
Common gotcha
Highly competitive; focus on the 'Australian cultural content' aspect.

Export Market Development Grant (EMDG)

national · Austrade

Who qualifies
Businesses looking to market their games internationally.
What you get
Reimbursement for promotional expenses like overseas travel or trade shows.
What it actually costs you
Requires detailed proof of expenditure.
Common gotcha
You must apply before you spend the money in many cases.

Arts Projects: Individuals

national · Creative Australia

Who qualifies
Individual artists and creative practitioners.
What you get
Grants for specific creative projects.
What it actually costs you
Requires a strong artistic vision and project timeline.
Common gotcha
Games are often viewed as 'commercial'—frame your pitch as an artistic endeavor.

Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO)

national · Ministry for the Arts

Who qualifies
Developers spending over $500,000 on game development.
What you get
30% refundable tax offset.
What it actually costs you
Requires certification of the game as an Australian project.
Common gotcha
The $500k threshold is a hard floor.

Entrepreneurs' Programme

national · Department of Industry

Who qualifies
Small to medium businesses looking to scale.
What you get
Access to business advisors and growth grants.
What it actually costs you
Application process is rigorous and involves a site visit.
Common gotcha
Often oversubscribed; check availability frequently.

Games Development Fund (National Access)

national · Screen Australia (Various)

Who qualifies
Early-stage developers needing prototype funding.
What you get
Small grants for game design and prototyping.
What it actually costs you
Standard grant application paperwork.
Common gotcha
Deadlines are strict; missing one by a minute means rejection.

Staying sane while coding

Freelance dev life is isolating; Medicare and mental health support are vital.

Medicare

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Australian citizens and permanent residents.
What you get
Subsidized medical services and prescription drugs.
What it actually costs you
Funded via the Medicare Levy in your tax return.
Common gotcha
Bulk billing is becoming rarer; check if your GP charges a gap fee.

Better Access Initiative

national · Department of Health

Who qualifies
Anyone with a GP-diagnosed mental health condition.
What you get
Up to 10 subsidized psychology sessions per year.
What it actually costs you
Requires a GP visit to get a 'Mental Health Care Plan'.
Common gotcha
You must return to your GP after 6 sessions for a review.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Safety Net

national · Department of Health

Who qualifies
Anyone spending a lot on prescription medication.
What you get
Cheaper or free medicines once you hit a spending threshold.
What it actually costs you
Keep a record of your spending at the pharmacy.
Common gotcha
You must ask the pharmacist to register you for the Safety Net.

Beyond Blue Support Service

national · Beyond Blue (NGO/Gov funded)

Who qualifies
Anyone needing mental health support.
What you get
Free 24/7 phone and online counseling.
What it actually costs you
Zero cost.
Common gotcha
It is not a crisis service for immediate suicide intervention; use 000 for that.

Lifeline

national · Lifeline Australia

Who qualifies
Anyone in crisis.
What you get
Immediate crisis support and suicide prevention.
What it actually costs you
Zero cost.
Common gotcha
Wait times can be long during peak hours.

Private Health Insurance Rebate

national · ATO

Who qualifies
Individuals with private health cover.
What you get
Income-tested rebate on your health insurance premiums.
What it actually costs you
Must be claimed via tax return or upfront premium reduction.
Common gotcha
The rebate percentage changes based on your income level.

Tools of the trade

High-speed internet is the lifeblood of remote dev work.

National Broadband Network (NBN)

national · NBN Co

Who qualifies
All Australian residents.
What you get
Access to high-speed internet infrastructure.
What it actually costs you
Monthly subscription fee to your chosen ISP.
Common gotcha
Connection type (FTTP vs FTTN) varies wildly by address.

myGovID

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
All citizens/residents with ID documents.
What you get
Secure digital access to government portals.
What it actually costs you
Requires verifying your passport/driver's license.
Common gotcha
It is a separate app from the 'myGov' app.

Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)

national · ASD

Who qualifies
All Australians.
What you get
Advice on securing your digital assets and reporting cybercrime.
What it actually costs you
Zero cost.
Common gotcha
Don't just read it; implement the 'Essential Eight' for your business.

Australian Copyright Council

national · Non-profit / Govt funded

Who qualifies
Creators and developers.
What you get
Free fact sheets on IP protection.
What it actually costs you
Zero cost for basic info.
Common gotcha
They provide info, not legal representation.

Austrade Digital Export Advice

national · Austrade

Who qualifies
Software exporters.
What you get
Market intelligence on selling digital products abroad.
What it actually costs you
Time to consult with trade advisors.
Common gotcha
Focuses on established markets; less useful for niche indie games.

Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme

national · OAIC

Who qualifies
Businesses handling personal data.
What you get
Guidelines on how to report data leaks.
What it actually costs you
Legal obligation to report within 30 days.
Common gotcha
Failure to report can lead to massive fines.

State-level schemes

8states & territories — open one to see what it offers.

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra offers a unique ecosystem for tech professionals through the ACT Government's focus on innovation grants and specialized digital industry support.

Growing my studio and projects

Innovation Connect Grant

state · Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

Who qualifies
ACT-based startups and small businesses developing innovative products or services.
What you get
Matched funding between $10,000 and $30,000 to help commercialize your game or tech product.
What it actually costs you
Requires a 1:1 cash co-contribution and a detailed project plan; competitive application process.
Common gotcha
You must prove the project is 'new to the market' and not just a standard service offering.

ACT Export Grant

state · Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

Who qualifies
ACT businesses looking to expand their digital products into international markets.
What you get
Reimbursement of up to $50,000 for eligible export-related expenses like international marketing or trade shows.
What it actually costs you
Detailed financial reporting of export activities and proof of market research.
Common gotcha
Expenses must be incurred after the application is approved, not retroactively.

Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) Support

state · Canberra Innovation Network

Who qualifies
ACT-based entrepreneurs and tech developers.
What you get
Access to collaborative workspaces, mentorship programs, and networking events specifically for the local tech scene.
What it actually costs you
Membership fees vary; time commitment for workshops and networking.
Common gotcha
It is a community hub, not a direct cash grant, so don't expect immediate funding.

Payroll Tax Exemption for Startups

state · ACT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Small businesses meeting specific growth and innovation criteria.
What you get
Relief from payroll tax obligations for a set period to help scale your team.
What it actually costs you
Requires registration with the ACT Revenue Office and annual compliance reporting.
Common gotcha
Exemptions have strict thresholds; if you grow too fast, you may lose eligibility mid-year.

Living and working in the capital

Home Buyer Concession Scheme

state · ACT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
First-home buyers in the ACT meeting income and property value thresholds.
What you get
Full or partial exemption from stamp duty on your first home purchase.
What it actually costs you
Must meet residency requirements and income caps; application via conveyancer.
Common gotcha
Property value caps change annually; check the current threshold before bidding.

ACT Transport Concession

state · Transport Canberra

Who qualifies
Low-income earners or those holding a valid Health Care Card.
What you get
Discounted fares on buses and light rail across Canberra.
What it actually costs you
Requires a MyWay card and proof of concession status.
Common gotcha
You must renew your concession status annually to avoid full-fare charges.

ACT Utilities Concession

state · ACT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
An annual rebate on your energy and water bills.
What it actually costs you
Application form required; usually applied directly to your utility account.
Common gotcha
It is a yearly rebate, not a monthly discount; check your bill for the credit.
New South Wales

New South Wales is the heart of the Australian gaming industry, offering specific tax offsets and creative grants that make it the most viable place for independent developers to scale their studios.

Scaling my studio and creative projects

NSW Digital Games Development Rebate

state · Screen NSW

Who qualifies
NSW-based game developers spending at least $500,000 on qualifying development expenditure.
What you get
A 10% rebate on qualifying NSW expenditure for game development projects.
What it actually costs you
Detailed financial auditing and proof of expenditure; application via Screen NSW portal.
Common gotcha
The rebate is only for projects with a minimum spend, making it inaccessible for solo hobbyist projects.

Create NSW Project Funding

state · Create NSW

Who qualifies
Individual artists and small creative businesses based in NSW.
What you get
Grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 for creative development and production.
What it actually costs you
A competitive application process requiring a project budget and artistic proposal.
Common gotcha
The focus is often on 'artistic merit' rather than commercial viability, so frame your game as an interactive art piece.

NSW Payroll Tax Rebate for Games

state · Revenue NSW

Who qualifies
Digital game studios that meet specific employment and investment thresholds in NSW.
What you get
Relief on payroll tax liabilities for staff working on game development.
What it actually costs you
Annual registration with Revenue NSW and compliance reporting.
Common gotcha
You must prove that the employees are primarily engaged in game development activities.

Finding a place to work and network

Tech Central Partnership

state · Investment NSW

Who qualifies
Tech startups and game studios looking for office space in the Sydney CBD/Ultimo corridor.
What you get
Access to subsidised co-working spaces and networking events with industry leaders.
What it actually costs you
Application for residency and potential membership fees.
Common gotcha
Space is highly competitive; you need a strong pitch on how your studio contributes to the ecosystem.

Service NSW Business Concierge

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
Any small business owner in NSW, including solo indie developers.
What you get
Free one-on-one advice on regulations, permits, and government compliance.
What it actually costs you
Time for a consultation call or visit to a Service NSW center.
Common gotcha
They are great for general business, but might not know the specifics of game industry IP law.
Northern Territory

The Northern Territory offers unique incentives for digital creators and tech startups to build in the Top End, leveraging the Territory's growing digital infrastructure and remote-work grants.

Grants to build my studio

Business Innovation Program

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
NT-based businesses with an innovative project or product.
What you get
Funding of up to $30,000 for professional advice or specialized equipment.
What it actually costs you
Requires a 25% co-contribution and a detailed project plan.
Common gotcha
The project must demonstrate genuine innovation, not just standard business expansion.

Digital Territory Strategy Initiatives

state · Department of Corporate and Digital Development

Who qualifies
Tech startups and digital service providers operating in the NT.
What you get
Access to specialized digital infrastructure and localized business development support.
What it actually costs you
Requires business registration in the NT and a clear digital roadmap.
Common gotcha
These are often project-based and competitive, not open-ended funding.

Small Business Champion Grant

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
Small businesses in the NT looking to improve operations or marketing.
What you get
Reimbursement of up to $10,000 for business improvement projects.
What it actually costs you
Requires a 50% co-contribution and proof of business activity.
Common gotcha
You must use an NT-based service provider for the improvement work.

Territory Business Growth Program

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
Established NT businesses looking to scale operations.
What you get
Up to $10,000 to engage consultants for growth strategy.
What it actually costs you
Requires a 50% co-contribution and a growth-focused business plan.
Common gotcha
You need to have been trading for at least 12 months.

Living and working in the Top End

First Home Owners Discount

state · NT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
First-time home buyers purchasing an established home in the NT.
What you get
Stamp duty discount of up to $18,601.
What it actually costs you
Must live in the property for at least 6 months within the first year.
Common gotcha
The property value must be under $650,000.

NT Concession Scheme

state · Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
NT residents receiving specific Centrelink benefits.
What you get
Discounts on electricity, water, and sewerage rates.
What it actually costs you
Requires annual renewal and proof of eligibility.
Common gotcha
It does not automatically apply; you must register your utility accounts.

Zone Tax Offset (NT Supplement)

state · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Residents living in Zone A (the entire NT).
What you get
A tax rebate based on your residency in a remote area.
What it actually costs you
Claimed via your annual tax return.
Common gotcha
The amount varies depending on your specific location within the NT.
Queensland

Queensland offers specific tax offsets and grants for digital games, making it a prime hub for indie developers and creative studios.

Money to build my studio

Queensland Digital Games Incentive

state · Screen Queensland

Who qualifies
Queensland-based game developers with a project budget over $50,000.
What you get
A 15% rebate on eligible Queensland expenditure for game development.
What it actually costs you
Detailed audit of project spend; requires a registered Queensland business entity.
Common gotcha
The rebate is paid post-production, so you need the cash flow to finish the game first.

Business Growth Fund

state · Department of State Development

Who qualifies
Small to medium businesses with high growth potential.
What you get
Grants of up to $50,000 to purchase specialized equipment or software.
What it actually costs you
Requires a 50% co-contribution from your own funds.
Common gotcha
Highly competitive; you need a rock-solid business case showing how it creates jobs.

Queensland Export Development Program

state · Trade and Investment Queensland

Who qualifies
Businesses looking to sell their games in international markets.
What you get
Funding support for international travel and marketing campaigns.
What it actually costs you
Application process involves proving your export readiness.
Common gotcha
Only covers costs incurred after approval, not retroactive expenses.

Making life easier in Brisbane

Cost of Living Rebate

state · Queensland Government

Who qualifies
All Queensland households.
What you get
Automatic credit on your electricity bill.
What it actually costs you
None; it is applied automatically by your energy provider.
Common gotcha
If you are in a shared flat, ensure the account holder passes the credit on.

Translink 50 cent fares

state · Translink

Who qualifies
Anyone using public transport in Queensland.
What you get
Flat 50 cent fare for all public transport journeys.
What it actually costs you
Requires a Go Card or contactless payment method.
Common gotcha
The trial period is temporary; check the expiry date on the portal.

Small Business Energy Saver Program

state · Department of Energy and Climate

Who qualifies
Small businesses with high energy usage.
What you get
Free energy audit and subsidies for energy-efficient hardware.
What it actually costs you
Time for the audit and installation of upgrades.
Common gotcha
You must use approved suppliers for the hardware upgrades.
South Australia

South Australia offers a unique ecosystem for game developers through specialized tax offsets and local industry grants that aren't available in other Australian states.

Scaling my studio

South Australian Video Game Development Rebate

state · South Australian Film Corporation

Who qualifies
SA-based game development studios with a minimum spend of $250,000 on eligible projects.
What you get
10% rebate on qualifying SA expenditure for game development.
What it actually costs you
Detailed audit of project expenditure and proof of SA-based staff hours.
Common gotcha
Cannot be claimed in conjunction with certain federal R&D tax incentives for the same expenditure.

Research and Innovation Voucher

state · Department for Industry, Innovation and Science

Who qualifies
Small to medium businesses looking to partner with universities for technical R&D.
What you get
Funding up to $50,000 to cover costs of research collaboration.
What it actually costs you
Requires a 50% co-contribution from the business.
Common gotcha
The research project must be directly linked to commercializing a new product or process.

SA Export Accelerator

state · Government of South Australia

Who qualifies
SA businesses ready to export digital products or services to international markets.
What you get
Grants of up to $30,000 to offset costs of international marketing and trade shows.
What it actually costs you
Significant documentation regarding export readiness and market strategy.
Common gotcha
Must be used for new market entry, not sustaining existing export channels.

City of Adelaide Business Growth Grant

municipal · City of Adelaide

Who qualifies
Small businesses operating within the Adelaide city council boundaries.
What you get
Up to $5,000 for business expansion or technology upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Simple application form and business plan summary.
Common gotcha
Funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis during grant rounds.

Living in Adelaide

Cost of Living Concession

state · Department of Human Services

Who qualifies
Low-to-middle income earners who are residents of South Australia.
What you get
Annual payment to help with council rates or energy bills (approx $200-$400).
What it actually costs you
Must hold a valid Centrelink concession card or meet specific income thresholds.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply or confirm details every financial year.

Adelaide Metro Concession

state · Adelaide Metro

Who qualifies
Full-time students or low-income earners with a valid concession card.
What you get
Discounted fares on all buses, trains, and trams in Adelaide.
What it actually costs you
Must carry your concession card at all times while using the pass.
Common gotcha
Using a concession fare without a valid card results in heavy on-the-spot fines.

First Home Owner Grant (SA)

state · RevenueSA

Who qualifies
First-time buyers purchasing a new home under $650,000.
What you get
One-off grant of $15,000.
What it actually costs you
Must live in the property as your primary residence for at least 6 months.
Common gotcha
Only applies to new builds or substantially renovated properties, not established homes.

SA Home Battery Scheme

state · Government of South Australia

Who qualifies
SA residents looking to install home battery systems.
What you get
Subsidies to reduce the upfront cost of battery storage for home offices.
What it actually costs you
Must use an approved system installer.
Common gotcha
The subsidy amount depends on the capacity of the battery installed.
Tasmania

Tasmania offers a unique 'lifestyle-tech' ecosystem where game developers benefit from specific regional grants and low-cost creative hubs designed to keep talent on the island.

Fueling my indie studio

Screen Tasmania Development Funding

state · Screen Tasmania

Who qualifies
Tasmanian-based game developers and digital content creators with a viable project.
What you get
Grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 for script development, prototyping, or proof-of-concept work.
What it actually costs you
Requires a detailed project budget and a clear distribution plan; competitive application process.
Common gotcha
Funding is highly competitive and requires proof of a local 'Tasmanian footprint' in your production.

Business Growth Loan Scheme

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Small to medium Tasmanian businesses looking to scale operations or hire staff.
What you get
Low-interest loans between $20,000 and $250,000 to support business expansion.
What it actually costs you
Requires a solid business plan and financial history; interest rates are significantly lower than commercial banks.
Common gotcha
You must prove that the loan will lead to job creation or increased economic activity within the state.

Digital Ready Program

state · Business Tasmania

Who qualifies
Tasmanian small business owners needing help with digital marketing or online presence.
What you get
Free one-on-one coaching sessions and workshops on digital strategy.
What it actually costs you
Time commitment for sessions; must be a registered Tasmanian business.
Common gotcha
It is more focused on marketing than technical game development, but great for studio branding.

Export Assistance Program

state · Trade Tasmania

Who qualifies
Businesses looking to sell their digital products or games to international markets.
What you get
Reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible costs for international travel or marketing campaigns.
What it actually costs you
Must provide receipts and proof of export activity; application must be made before expenses are incurred.
Common gotcha
You cannot claim expenses for events you have already attended.

Living as a dev in Hobart

Tasmanian Energy Rebate

state · Department of Treasury and Finance

Who qualifies
Low-income earners or those on specific government benefits living in Tasmania.
What you get
A daily discount on electricity bills to help manage cost-of-living pressures.
What it actually costs you
Requires a valid concession card; applied directly to your utility account.
Common gotcha
It does not apply to all energy providers; check if your retailer participates.

First Home Buyer Duty Concession

state · State Revenue Office

Who qualifies
First-time home buyers purchasing an established home in Tasmania under a certain price threshold.
What you get
A 50% discount on property transfer duty (stamp duty).
What it actually costs you
Must move into the property within 6 months and live there for at least 6 months.
Common gotcha
The price threshold changes periodically; check the current cap before house hunting.

Metro Tasmania Student Concession

state · Metro Tasmania

Who qualifies
Full-time students or those with a valid health care card.
What you get
Significant discounts on daily bus fares across Hobart and major hubs.
What it actually costs you
Requires a student ID or concession card to be shown upon boarding.
Common gotcha
You must renew your concession status every semester if you are a student.
Victoria

Victoria is the heart of Australia's game development industry, offering specific tax offsets and grants that make Melbourne the best place for indie studios to scale.

Getting my studio off the ground

Victorian Digital Games Investment

state · VicScreen

Who qualifies
Victorian-based game developers with a project in development or production.
What you get
Funding support for production, development, or marketing of digital games.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan, budget, and pitch deck; competitive application process.
Common gotcha
Funding is highly competitive and requires proof of a viable commercial path.

Payroll Tax Exemption for Startups

state · State Revenue Office Victoria

Who qualifies
Small businesses and startups meeting specific payroll thresholds.
What you get
Relief from payroll tax obligations to help cash flow during growth phases.
What it actually costs you
Annual payroll reporting and registration with the SRO.
Common gotcha
You must proactively apply for the exemption; it is not always automatic.

Export Market Development Grant (State Supplement)

state · Global Victoria

Who qualifies
Victorian businesses looking to market their games internationally.
What you get
Reimbursement for costs associated with international trade shows and marketing.
What it actually costs you
Evidence of international marketing spend and travel receipts.
Common gotcha
Must be claimed after the expenditure is incurred.

Keeping the team sharp and healthy

WorkSafe Small Business Rebate

state · WorkSafe Victoria

Who qualifies
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees.
What you get
Up to $500 rebate for purchasing equipment to improve workplace safety.
What it actually costs you
Proof of purchase and completion of a safety training session.
Common gotcha
The rebate is limited to specific safety items like ergonomic chairs or standing desks.

Skills First Training

state · Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions

Who qualifies
Victorian employees looking to upskill in technical or management roles.
What you get
Subsidised tuition fees for accredited training courses at TAFE or private providers.
What it actually costs you
Enrollment in an approved course; eligibility check required.
Common gotcha
You can only access a limited number of subsidised courses in your lifetime.

Creative Spaces Program

state · Creative Victoria

Who qualifies
Independent developers and small studios looking for affordable studio space.
What you get
Access to a database of low-cost, creative-friendly office spaces in Melbourne.
What it actually costs you
Standard lease agreements; no application fee for the portal.
Common gotcha
Spaces are in high demand and often have waitlists.
Western Australia

Western Australia offers unique tax incentives for digital game development and a vibrant local tech ecosystem supported by state-backed grants.

Funding my studio and projects

WA Digital Games Tax Offset

state · Screenwest

Who qualifies
WA-based game developers with a minimum spend of $250,000 on a project.
What you get
A 10% rebate on eligible expenditure, stacking with federal offsets.
What it actually costs you
Detailed audit of production expenditure and proof of WA residency/business registration.
Common gotcha
Must be registered as a WA-based company for the duration of the project.

New Market Development Scheme

state · Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation

Who qualifies
WA businesses looking to export digital products or services to international markets.
What you get
Reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible travel and marketing costs up to $10,000.
What it actually costs you
Requires a comprehensive export plan and proof of previous domestic sales.
Common gotcha
Expenses must be claimed after the travel/event has occurred.

WA Innovation Vouchers Program

state · Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation

Who qualifies
Small to medium enterprises needing expert technical or commercial advice.
What you get
Vouchers up to $20,000 to pay for professional services like IP advice or technical prototyping.
What it actually costs you
Requires a 20% co-contribution from the business.
Common gotcha
Vouchers can only be used with approved service providers.

Screenwest Interactive Fund

state · Screenwest

Who qualifies
WA-based interactive content creators and game studios.
What you get
Funding for development, production, or marketing of interactive games.
What it actually costs you
Application process involves a pitch deck and budget breakdown.
Common gotcha
Highly competitive; requires a clear path to commercialization.

Living and working in Perth

SmartRider Tertiary Concession

state · Transperth

Who qualifies
Full-time students at WA universities or TAFE institutions.
What you get
Discounted fares on all Perth trains, buses, and ferries.
What it actually costs you
Requires a valid student ID and a one-time card fee of $10.
Common gotcha
Must renew your concession status every year before the start of the semester.

WA Energy Concession Extension Scheme

state · Department of Communities

Who qualifies
Holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
Annual rebate on electricity and gas bills.
What it actually costs you
Application form submitted to your energy provider.
Common gotcha
Does not apply automatically; you must notify your utility company.

First Home Owner Grant (WA)

state · RevenueWA

Who qualifies
First-time buyers purchasing or building a new home in WA.
What you get
A one-off payment of $10,000.
What it actually costs you
Must be a natural person, 18+, and occupy the home for 6 months.
Common gotcha
Only applies to new builds or newly completed properties, not established homes.