Australia hubs

Kane

Miner

AustraliaEnglish (English)$ AUD

Kane works long swings in the Pilbara and is always looking to maximize his take-home pay and secure his family's future. This hub covers the federal support, tax breaks, and safety nets that every Aussie worker relies on, regardless of which state they're flying out from.

Keeping more of my hard-earned pay

Understanding tax deductions and superannuation is essential when you're on a high-income roster.

Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Online

national · ATO

Who qualifies
All tax-paying residents
What you get
Access to tax returns, income statements, and super balance tracking
What it actually costs you
Free; requires a myGov account linked to your TFN
Common gotcha
Forgetting to link your ATO account to myGov prevents you from lodging returns

Super Co-contribution

national · ATO

Who qualifies
Low to middle income earners making personal super contributions
What you get
Government matches personal contributions up to $500
What it actually costs you
Requires voluntary after-tax contributions
Common gotcha
You must lodge a tax return to receive the payment

Work-Related Expense Deductions

national · ATO

Who qualifies
Employees incurring costs to earn income
What you get
Tax deduction on tools, uniform, and travel
What it actually costs you
Must keep receipts for all claims
Common gotcha
You cannot claim travel between home and work, even for FIFO

Superannuation Guarantee

national · ATO

Who qualifies
All employees
What you get
11.5% of ordinary time earnings paid into super
What it actually costs you
Automatic; employer responsibility
Common gotcha
Check your payslip to ensure the employer is actually paying it

Medicare Levy Exemption

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Specific groups like blind pensioners or those without Medicare entitlement
What you get
Exemption from the 2% Medicare levy
What it actually costs you
Requires an exemption certificate
Common gotcha
Most miners do not qualify; don't claim it by mistake

CGT Discount

national · ATO

Who qualifies
Individuals holding assets for >12 months
What you get
50% discount on capital gains tax
What it actually costs you
Must hold asset for over a year
Common gotcha
Does not apply to assets held for less than 12 months

Staying healthy and safe on the job

Mining is high-risk; knowing your rights and health entitlements is non-negotiable.

Medicare

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Australian citizens and permanent residents
What you get
Subsidized medical services and free public hospital care
What it actually costs you
Free; requires Medicare card
Common gotcha
Doesn't cover most dental or ambulance services

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

national · Department of Health

Who qualifies
All Medicare card holders
What you get
Subsidized prescription medication costs
What it actually costs you
Co-payment per script
Common gotcha
Not all drugs are on the PBS list

Safe Work Australia

national · Safe Work Australia

Who qualifies
All workers
What you get
National safety standards and rights information
What it actually costs you
Free access to information
Common gotcha
They set standards, but state regulators enforce them

Fair Work Ombudsman

national · Fair Work Ombudsman

Who qualifies
All employees
What you get
Advice on pay, leave, and workplace disputes
What it actually costs you
Free
Common gotcha
They cannot force an employer to pay; they mediate

Better Access Initiative

national · Department of Health

Who qualifies
People with a diagnosed mental health condition
What you get
Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychology sessions
What it actually costs you
Requires GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan
Common gotcha
You must return to the GP after 6 sessions for a review

Australian Organ Donor Register

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Anyone 16+
What you get
Official registration of your organ donation wishes
What it actually costs you
Free; via myGov
Common gotcha
Registering doesn't automatically mean your family knows your wishes

Getting to and from the site

For FIFO workers, transport is a massive part of the lifestyle.

Australian Passport Office

national · Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Who qualifies
Australian citizens
What you get
Official travel document
What it actually costs you
Standard fee (~$346 for 10 years)
Common gotcha
Processing times can blow out; renew well before travel

Smartraveller

national · DFAT

Who qualifies
All travelers
What you get
Travel advice and safety alerts for overseas
What it actually costs you
Free
Common gotcha
People ignore the 'Do Not Travel' warnings

ABN Registration

national · ATO

Who qualifies
Contractors/Sole traders
What you get
Unique business identifier
What it actually costs you
Free
Common gotcha
You need this if you are a sub-contractor on site

Construction Induction Training (White Card)

national · State Work Health Authorities

Who qualifies
Anyone working on a construction site
What you get
Mandatory safety certification
What it actually costs you
Course fee (~$100-$150)
Common gotcha
Must be done in person in most states

USI

national · Department of Education

Who qualifies
Anyone doing vocational training
What you get
Lifetime record of training
What it actually costs you
Free
Common gotcha
You need this for every ticket/course you do

My Health Record

national · Australian Digital Health Agency

Who qualifies
All Medicare holders
What you get
Centralized digital medical history
What it actually costs you
Free
Common gotcha
You can opt out if you don't want your data online

Looking after the family back home

When you're away for weeks at a time, you need to know the family is supported.

Family Tax Benefit (Part A & B)

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Families with dependent children
What you get
Fortnightly payments to help with costs
What it actually costs you
Means tested; income reporting required
Common gotcha
High mining incomes often disqualify you from Part B

Child Care Subsidy

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Parents using approved child care
What you get
Percentage of fees covered by government
What it actually costs you
Means tested
Common gotcha
Activity test requires you to be working a certain number of hours

Parental Leave Pay

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Primary carers of newborn/adopted children
What you get
Government-funded pay for up to 20 weeks
What it actually costs you
Income test applies
Common gotcha
Must meet work test requirements

Child Support

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Separated parents
What you get
Assessment and collection of child support payments
What it actually costs you
Based on income and care split
Common gotcha
Changes in income must be reported immediately

Low Income Health Care Card

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Low income earners
What you get
Cheaper medicines and some health services
What it actually costs you
Income tested
Common gotcha
Most miners earn too much to qualify

School Kids Bonus (Legacy)

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Families on specific benefits
What you get
Annual payment for school costs
What it actually costs you
Automatic if eligible
Common gotcha
This scheme has been largely phased out/folded into other payments

State-level schemes

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

Australian Capital Territory

ACT provides targeted cost-of-living support and specialized industry training grants that help workers manage the unique economic landscape of the capital.

Keeping the lights on and bills down

Utilities Concession

state · ACT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Holders of a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Low Income Health Care Card.
What you get
Annual rebate of up to $800 on electricity, gas, and water bills.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires your concession card number and utility account details.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply if you change your energy provider or move house.

Taxi Subsidy Scheme

state · Transport Canberra

Who qualifies
Residents with a permanent disability that prevents independent use of public transport.
What you get
Subsidies covering 50% of the taxi fare up to a maximum of $25 per trip.
What it actually costs you
Requires a medical assessment form signed by your GP.
Common gotcha
The subsidy does not apply to ride-share services like Uber, only registered taxis.

Rates Deferral Scheme

state · ACT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Pensioners who own and occupy their home in the ACT.
What you get
Option to defer all or part of your general rates until the property is sold.
What it actually costs you
Interest is charged on the deferred amount; requires a simple application form.
Common gotcha
The deferred amount becomes a charge against the property title.

School Costs Assistance Scheme

state · ACT Education Directorate

Who qualifies
Low-income families with children in ACT public schools.
What you get
Financial assistance to help cover the cost of school uniforms and excursions.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of income or a valid health care card.
Common gotcha
Applications must be submitted at the start of the school year.

Upskilling for the future

Skilled Capital

state · Skills Canberra

Who qualifies
ACT residents looking to gain qualifications in high-demand industries.
What you get
Subsidised training fees for certificate-level courses.
What it actually costs you
Small co-contribution fee; requires proof of residency.
Common gotcha
Only specific RTOs (Registered Training Organisations) are eligible for the subsidy.

WorkSafe ACT Small Business Rebate

state · WorkSafe ACT

Who qualifies
Small businesses and independent contractors in the ACT.
What you get
Rebate of up to $1,000 for purchasing safety equipment.
What it actually costs you
Requires receipt of purchase and proof of safety improvement.
Common gotcha
You must attend a safety workshop before applying for the rebate.
New South Wales

New South Wales provides specific industrial safety nets, regional travel assistance, and mining-specific training support that help miners manage the high costs of living and remote work.

Keeping my career and safety on track

NSW Resources Regulator Competency Training

state · NSW Resources Regulator

Who qualifies
Workers in the NSW mining industry needing mandatory safety certifications.
What you get
Accredited safety training and mandatory practicing certificates for mining operations.
What it actually costs you
Fees vary by course; requires current employer sponsorship and proof of identity.
Common gotcha
Certificates expire; you must renew them well before the expiry date to avoid being stood down.

NSW Smart and Skilled

state · Training Services NSW

Who qualifies
NSW residents looking to upskill in trades relevant to the mining sector.
What you get
Subsidised training fees for certificate and diploma level courses.
What it actually costs you
Partial fee payment; requires a Unique Student Identifier (USI).
Common gotcha
Not all courses are subsidised; check the course finder portal before enrolling.

Dust Diseases Care

state · icare NSW

Who qualifies
Current or former NSW workers diagnosed with a dust-related condition from mining.
What you get
Medical treatment coverage, rehabilitation, and financial support for loss of income.
What it actually costs you
Requires medical evidence and history of employment in dust-exposed industries.
Common gotcha
The application process is rigorous; keep all medical records from day one.

Mine Safety Reporting Portal

state · NSW Resources Regulator

Who qualifies
All mining employees in NSW.
What you get
Direct channel to report safety incidents or hazards anonymously.
What it actually costs you
Free; just requires an account or anonymous submission.
Common gotcha
People often fear repercussions, but reporting is protected by law.

Managing costs and getting around

Regional Seniors Travel Card

state · Transport for NSW

Who qualifies
Eligible seniors living in regional NSW.
What you get
$250 prepaid card for fuel, taxis, or public transport.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires pension card and proof of residency.
Common gotcha
Must be used within the calendar year; funds do not roll over.

NSW Toll Relief

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
NSW motorists who spend a significant amount on tolls.
What you get
Cash rebates or toll caps depending on annual spend.
What it actually costs you
Requires an active E-Toll account and linking to Service NSW.
Common gotcha
You must claim the rebate; it is not always automatic.

Family Energy Rebate

state · Department of Planning and Environment

Who qualifies
Low-income families in NSW who hold a Centrelink Health Care Card.
What you get
Annual credit on your electricity bill.
What it actually costs you
Requires application form and current energy bill.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply every year; it does not automatically renew.

Active Kids Voucher

state · Office of Sport

Who qualifies
Parents of school-aged children in NSW.
What you get
$50 voucher per child for sports and recreation fees.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires Medicare card details.
Common gotcha
Vouchers expire; check the expiry date on the voucher before registering for a sport.
Northern Territory

The Northern Territory offers unique remote-area allowances and industry-specific safety grants for workers in the mining and resource sector.

Keeping my job and staying safe

WorkSafe NT Small Business Grant

state · NT WorkSafe

Who qualifies
Contractors and small mining service providers operating in the NT.
What you get
Reimbursement of up to $1,000 for safety equipment or training.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of purchase and a completed safety audit checklist.
Common gotcha
You must apply before purchasing the equipment, not after.

Mining Industry Skills Training Subsidy

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
NT residents employed in the mining sector looking to upgrade certifications.
What you get
Up to 50% of course fees for accredited mining machinery operation tickets.
What it actually costs you
Proof of current employment and a letter of support from your site manager.
Common gotcha
Only applies to RTO-accredited courses within the NT.

Resource Safety Levy Exemption

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
Individual owner-operators in the mining support sector.
What you get
Reduction in annual safety levy fees for small-scale operations.
What it actually costs you
Annual declaration of operational hours and revenue.
Common gotcha
Failure to lodge by the deadline incurs heavy penalties.

Living in the bush

Remote Housing Support Program

state · Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
Workers living in designated remote mining camps or regional towns.
What you get
Subsidized housing maintenance and utility connection support.
What it actually costs you
Proof of residency and employment contract in a remote zone.
Common gotcha
Does not cover luxury accommodation, only essential housing.

NT Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme

state · Territory Families

Who qualifies
Retired miners or those on disability support living in the NT.
What you get
Discounts on electricity, water, and vehicle registration.
What it actually costs you
Application form and proof of pension status.
Common gotcha
You must renew your eligibility status every year.

NT Vehicle Registration Concession

state · Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR)

Who qualifies
NT residents living in remote areas with limited public transport.
What you get
50% discount on annual vehicle registration fees.
What it actually costs you
Proof of address in a remote postcode.
Common gotcha
Only applies to one vehicle per person.
Queensland

Queensland is the heart of Australia's mining industry, offering specific safety training, royalty-funded regional infrastructure, and unique health monitoring programs for coal and mineral workers.

Staying safe and healthy on the job

Coal Mine Workers' Health Scheme

state · Resources Safety and Health Queensland

Who qualifies
All coal mine workers in Queensland, including contractors.
What you get
Mandatory respiratory and health assessments to detect dust-related lung diseases early.
What it actually costs you
Employer pays for the assessment; requires a doctor certified by RSHQ.
Common gotcha
You must ensure your doctor is specifically accredited for this scheme, not just any GP.

Resources Safety and Health Training Subsidy

state · Department of Resources

Who qualifies
Workers in small-to-medium mining operations looking to upskill in safety.
What you get
Partial reimbursement for accredited safety and supervisor training courses.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of employment and course completion certificate.
Common gotcha
Must be applied for before the training commences.

WorkCover Queensland Mining Coverage

state · WorkCover Queensland

Who qualifies
All employees in the Queensland mining sector.
What you get
Comprehensive workers' compensation for injuries sustained on-site or during transit.
What it actually costs you
Employer-funded premium; no cost to the worker.
Common gotcha
You must report the injury to your employer immediately to ensure the claim is processed.

Making life easier in the mining towns

Queensland Electricity Rebate Scheme

state · Department of Energy and Climate

Who qualifies
Pensioners and seniors living in remote mining regions.
What you get
Up to $372.20 per year off your electricity bill.
What it actually costs you
Requires a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
Common gotcha
You need to re-apply if you move houses, even within the same town.

Regional QLD Travel Concession Scheme

state · Department of Transport and Main Roads

Who qualifies
Residents of remote and regional Queensland mining hubs.
What you get
Subsidized travel costs for long-distance bus or rail journeys to major centers.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of residency in a designated remote area.
Common gotcha
Only applies to specific long-distance operators, not local city buses.

Queensland First Home Owners' Grant

state · Queensland Revenue Office

Who qualifies
First-time buyers purchasing a new home under $750,000.
What you get
$30,000 towards the purchase of a new home.
What it actually costs you
Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident; must live in the home for 6 months.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to established homes, only new builds.
South Australia

South Australia offers specific mining-industry training grants and regional cost-of-living concessions that help miners manage the transition between remote site rosters and home life.

Upskilling for the pits

Mining and Engineering Skills Training Grant

state · Department for Energy and Mining

Who qualifies
Current or aspiring miners residing in SA looking for accredited safety or machinery certifications.
What you get
Reimbursement of up to 75% of course fees for approved mining-related vocational training.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of enrollment and completion; 4-6 weeks processing time.
Common gotcha
Only applies to RTOs (Registered Training Organisations) specifically approved by the SA government.

Small Business Work Health and Safety Rebate

state · SafeWork SA

Who qualifies
Independent contractors and small mining service providers in SA.
What you get
Up to $500 to purchase safety equipment or implement risk-reduction measures.
What it actually costs you
Must provide receipts for safety gear purchased within the last 6 months.
Common gotcha
You must have a valid ABN and be registered for GST if applicable.

SA Apprenticeship Support Program

state · Skilled Careers SA

Who qualifies
New entrants into mining-related trades like electrical or mechanical fitting.
What you get
Mentoring and financial assistance for tools and equipment.
What it actually costs you
Requires a signed training contract and employer verification.
Common gotcha
Does not cover living expenses, only trade-specific tools.

Keeping the bills down

Cost of Living Concession

state · Department of Human Services

Who qualifies
Low-to-middle income earners who own or rent their primary residence in SA.
What you get
Annual payment of approximately $250 for homeowners or $125 for tenants.
What it actually costs you
Application via the SA government portal; requires your Centrelink or DVA card details.
Common gotcha
Must be applied for annually; it is not automatic even if you received it last year.

Energy Bill Concession

state · Department of Human Services

Who qualifies
Holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
Direct credit on your electricity bill to help with heating and cooling costs.
What it actually costs you
Requires your energy account number and concession card details.
Common gotcha
If you move house, you must re-register the concession with your new energy provider.

Water and Sewerage Rate Concession

state · SA Water

Who qualifies
Pensioners and low-income earners who are responsible for water bills.
What you get
Discount on quarterly water and sewerage usage charges.
What it actually costs you
Application form submitted to SA Water; proof of income required.
Common gotcha
Only applies to your principal place of residence.
Tasmania

Tasmania offers unique regional living incentives and specific industrial safety support for mining workers in remote areas like the West Coast.

Keeping the lights on and the house warm

Tasmanian Energy Concession

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Pensioners and low-income earners holding a valid concession card.
What you get
A daily discount on electricity bills, currently around 140 cents per day.
What it actually costs you
Free to apply; requires your electricity account number and concession card details.
Common gotcha
It doesn't apply automatically; you must contact your energy retailer to link your concession card.

Heating Assistance Scheme

state · Department of Communities Tasmania

Who qualifies
Low-income households struggling with winter heating costs.
What you get
A one-off payment to assist with heating fuel or electricity costs during winter.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of income and utility bills; application process is seasonal.
Common gotcha
Funds are limited and distributed on a first-come-first-served basis.

TasWater Concession

state · TasWater

Who qualifies
Eligible concession card holders who are the primary account holder.
What you get
A reduction on fixed water and sewerage charges.
What it actually costs you
No fee; must be applied for through the TasWater customer portal.
Common gotcha
Only applies to your principal place of residence.

Vehicle Registration Concession

state · Transport Services Tasmania

Who qualifies
Pensioners and health care card holders.
What you get
50% discount on annual vehicle registration fees.
What it actually costs you
Must present your concession card at Service Tasmania.
Common gotcha
Only applies to one vehicle per eligible person.

Staying safe and skilled on the job

Mining Industry Skills Fund

state · Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council

Who qualifies
Current mining employees looking to upskill in safety or technical operations.
What you get
Subsidised training fees for accredited mining safety certifications.
What it actually costs you
Requires employer endorsement and proof of current employment in the sector.
Common gotcha
Must be an accredited RTO course to qualify for the subsidy.

WorkSafe Tasmania Advisory Service

state · WorkSafe Tasmania

Who qualifies
Any worker in high-risk industries like mining.
What you get
Free access to safety guidelines, hazard reporting tools, and legal rights advice.
What it actually costs you
No cost; available via phone or online portal.
Common gotcha
People often mistake this for a compensation claim service, but it is for prevention and advice.

Regional Relocation Grant

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Workers moving to regional Tasmania (including mining hubs) for long-term employment.
What you get
One-off payment to assist with moving costs.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of employment contract and lease agreement in the new location.
Common gotcha
Must apply within 3 months of relocation.
Victoria

Victoria offers specific industrial safety protections, regional living incentives, and energy concessions for workers in the extractive and industrial sectors.

Keeping the lights on at home

Annual Electricity Concession

state · Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Who qualifies
Holders of a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
17.5% discount off your annual electricity bill.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires your concession card number and utility account details.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply if you switch energy retailers.

Non-Mains Energy Concession

state · Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Who qualifies
Households using LPG, wood, or heating oil for primary heating.
What you get
Annual rebate based on fuel type to offset winter heating costs.
What it actually costs you
Requires receipts for fuel purchases over the winter period.
Common gotcha
Often forgotten by those living in regional mining towns using bottled gas.

Life Support Concession

state · Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Who qualifies
Households with a member requiring life support equipment.
What you get
Discount on water and electricity usage costs.
What it actually costs you
Requires medical certification from a doctor.
Common gotcha
Must be renewed annually with updated medical forms.

Staying safe and skilled on the job

WorkSafe OHS Training Subsidy

state · WorkSafe Victoria

Who qualifies
Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) in Victorian workplaces.
What you get
Subsidized training to understand mining safety regulations.
What it actually costs you
Employer must pay, but the subsidy reduces the cost of the course.
Common gotcha
Employers often delay booking; you have a legal right to this training.

Skills First Program

state · Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions

Who qualifies
Victorian residents seeking to upskill in high-demand industrial sectors.
What you get
Government-subsidized tuition for TAFE courses and apprenticeships.
What it actually costs you
Reduced tuition fees; eligibility depends on prior qualifications.
Common gotcha
You can only access a limited number of subsidized courses in your lifetime.

Asbestos Support Victoria

state · Asbestos Council of Victoria

Who qualifies
Workers exposed to asbestos in historical mining or industrial sites.
What you get
Free legal and medical support services.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires documented history of workplace exposure.
Common gotcha
Symptoms can take decades to appear; keep all employment records.
Western Australia

Western Australia is the heart of the mining industry, offering specific support for FIFO workers, remote area living, and industry-specific safety certifications.

Living and working in the bush

Student Subsidised Fares Scheme

state · Department of Transport

Who qualifies
Children of FIFO/remote workers attending school away from home.
What you get
Subsidised air or bus travel for students to visit home during school holidays.
What it actually costs you
Proof of enrolment and residential status in a remote area.
Common gotcha
Must be booked well in advance; last-minute bookings often ineligible.

WA Regional Tax Zone Offset

state · WA Treasury

Who qualifies
Residents living in designated remote zones for more than 183 days.
What you get
Additional tax rebate on top of federal zones for high-cost remote living.
What it actually costs you
Tax return filing with correct zone code.
Common gotcha
Often confused with the federal zone offset; this is a state-level top-up.

WA Household Electricity Credit

state · Synergy

Who qualifies
All WA residential electricity account holders.
What you get
Direct credit applied to electricity bills to offset rising energy costs.
What it actually costs you
Automatic application for Synergy customers.
Common gotcha
If you are in a mining camp, you don't get this; it applies to your primary residence.

Keeping my ticket and staying safe

High Risk Work Licence (HRWL)

state · WorkSafe WA

Who qualifies
Workers operating cranes, forklifts, or scaffolding in mines.
What you get
State-recognised certification required to operate heavy machinery.
What it actually costs you
Assessment fees and mandatory training course costs.
Common gotcha
Must be renewed every 5 years; if it lapses, you cannot step on site.

Mining Safety and Health Support

state · Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

Who qualifies
All registered mine workers in WA.
What you get
Access to free safety training modules and incident reporting portals.
What it actually costs you
Zero cost; funded by industry levies.
Common gotcha
Many workers don't know they can report safety concerns anonymously here.

Construction Induction Training (White Card)

state · WorkSafe WA

Who qualifies
Anyone entering a construction or mining site.
What you get
Mandatory safety induction card.
What it actually costs you
One-day training course fee.
Common gotcha
Must be the WA-specific version if working on specific state-regulated sites.