Australia hubs

Kenji

Merchandiser

AustraliaEnglish (English)$ AUD

Kenji works as a retail merchandiser, balancing a busy schedule of store visits with the rising cost of living in Australia. He relies on federal support systems to manage his taxes, healthcare, and long-term financial stability while navigating the complexities of the Australian workplace.

Managing my pay and taxes

Understanding my tax obligations and entitlements ensures I don't lose out on hard-earned income.

myTax / ATO Online Services

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
All Australian tax residents with an income.
What you get
Ability to lodge tax returns and claim work-related expense deductions.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires a myGov account linked to the ATO.
Common gotcha
Forgetting to keep receipts for uniform or travel expenses incurred during store visits.

Superannuation Guarantee

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Most employees aged 18 and over earning over $450 a month.
What you get
Employer contributions of 11.5% of ordinary time earnings into a retirement fund.
What it actually costs you
Automatic deduction from employer; no direct cost to employee.
Common gotcha
Employers failing to pay into the correct fund or missing payment dates.

Medicare Levy Exemption

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Low-income earners or those without Medicare entitlement.
What you get
Reduction or removal of the 2% Medicare levy on taxable income.
What it actually costs you
Requires an application for a Medicare Entitlement Statement.
Common gotcha
Assuming the exemption is automatic; you must claim it on your tax return.

Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)

national · Department of Education

Who qualifies
Australians with outstanding university debt.
What you get
Income-contingent loan repayment system.
What it actually costs you
Repayments are automatically withheld from your salary once you hit the threshold.
Common gotcha
Not updating your employer when your income crosses the repayment threshold.

JobSeeker Payment

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
People aged 22 to age pension age who are unemployed and looking for work.
What you get
Fortnightly payment to help with living costs.
What it actually costs you
Requires extensive documentation and proof of job searching.
Common gotcha
Strict mutual obligation requirements that can lead to payment suspension.

Family Tax Benefit

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Parents or guardians with dependent children.
What you get
Fortnightly payment to assist with the cost of raising children.
What it actually costs you
Requires income testing and annual reconciliation.
Common gotcha
Overestimating income can lead to a debt at the end of the financial year.

Staying healthy on the road

As a merchandiser, I'm always on the move; knowing how to access healthcare is vital.

Medicare

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Australian citizens and permanent residents.
What you get
Subsidised or free medical services and prescription medicines.
What it actually costs you
Free to enroll; requires a Medicare card.
Common gotcha
Not all doctors 'bulk bill', meaning you may still have an out-of-pocket 'gap' fee.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

national · Department of Health and Aged Care

Who qualifies
All Medicare card holders.
What you get
Subsidised prices on essential prescription medications.
What it actually costs you
Co-payment at the pharmacy counter.
Common gotcha
Not all medicines are on the PBS list; check with your pharmacist.

Low Income Health Care Card

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
People on low incomes meeting specific thresholds.
What you get
Cheaper prescription medicines and other health concessions.
What it actually costs you
Requires application and income assessment.
Common gotcha
Card expires annually and must be renewed.

My Health Record

national · Australian Digital Health Agency

Who qualifies
All Australians with a Medicare card.
What you get
Centralised digital summary of your health records.
What it actually costs you
Free; managed via myGov.
Common gotcha
You must opt-out if you do not want one created automatically.

Better Access Mental Health Care

national · Department of Health and Aged Care

Who qualifies
People with a diagnosed mental health condition.
What you get
Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychological sessions per year.
What it actually costs you
Requires a GP referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Common gotcha
Rebates do not cover the full cost of private psychologists.

National Immunisation Program

national · Department of Health and Aged Care

Who qualifies
All Australians based on age and health status.
What you get
Free vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and other preventable diseases.
What it actually costs you
Free at participating clinics and pharmacies.
Common gotcha
Some vaccines require specific eligibility criteria (e.g., age).

Protecting my rights at work

I need to know my minimum pay and conditions to ensure I'm not being exploited.

Fair Work Ombudsman

national · Fair Work Ombudsman

Who qualifies
All employees in the national workplace relations system.
What you get
Information on pay rates, leave entitlements, and dispute resolution.
What it actually costs you
Free advice and mediation services.
Common gotcha
Not knowing which 'Award' covers your specific retail role.

National Employment Standards (NES)

national · Fair Work Commission

Who qualifies
All employees covered by the national system.
What you get
11 minimum entitlements including annual leave, public holidays, and notice periods.
What it actually costs you
Statutory right; no cost.
Common gotcha
Casual employees often do not receive paid leave, even under NES.

Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act

national · Safe Work Australia

Who qualifies
All workers and employers.
What you get
Legal protection against unsafe work environments.
What it actually costs you
Employer's responsibility to provide; no cost to worker.
Common gotcha
Not reporting 'near misses' in store environments.

Long Service Leave

national · State/Federal legislation

Who qualifies
Employees who have worked for the same employer for a long period (usually 7-10 years).
What you get
Paid leave for long-term service.
What it actually costs you
Accrued over time; no cost.
Common gotcha
Rules vary by state, even if the scheme is national in spirit.

Unfair Dismissal Protection

national · Fair Work Commission

Who qualifies
Employees who have completed the minimum employment period.
What you get
Legal recourse if fired unfairly.
What it actually costs you
Strict 21-day application window.
Common gotcha
Missing the 21-day deadline for filing a claim.

Paid Parental Leave Scheme

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Working parents meeting income and work tests.
What you get
Government-funded pay for up to 20 weeks.
What it actually costs you
Requires application through Centrelink.
Common gotcha
Must be taken within two years of the child's birth/adoption.

Getting around and proving who I am

I need valid ID for store access and travel, and sometimes help with transport costs.

Australian Passport

national · Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Who qualifies
Australian citizens.
What you get
International travel document and primary identity proof.
What it actually costs you
Application fee (approx. $346 for 10 years).
Common gotcha
Photos must meet strict criteria or they will be rejected.

myGovID

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Anyone with an Australian identity document.
What you get
Secure access to government online services.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires smartphone.
Common gotcha
Confusing myGov (the portal) with myGovID (the app).

Tax File Number (TFN)

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
All Australian residents for tax purposes.
What you get
Unique personal reference number for tax and superannuation.
What it actually costs you
Free; one-time application.
Common gotcha
Never share your TFN with anyone except your employer or bank.

Pensioner Concession Card Travel

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Pensioners and some benefit recipients.
What you get
Discounted public transport fares.
What it actually costs you
Automatic for eligible Centrelink recipients.
Common gotcha
Interstate travel rules for concessions vary significantly.

Unique Student Identifier (USI)

national · Department of Education

Who qualifies
Anyone undertaking nationally recognised training.
What you get
Lifetime record of your training and qualifications.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
You need this to get your certificate for any retail training courses.

Birth Certificate

national · State Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages

Who qualifies
All citizens born in Australia.
What you get
Primary proof of identity for passport and license applications.
What it actually costs you
Small fee (approx. $50).
Common gotcha
Commemorative certificates are not valid for official ID purposes.

State-level schemes

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

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra offers unique cost-of-living support and specific industry-focused grants for professionals and small business owners in the ACT region.

Help with the bills

ACT Utilities Concession

state · ACT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Holders of a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Low Income Health Care Card.
What you get
An annual rebate of up to $850 on electricity, gas, water, and sewerage bills.
What it actually costs you
Free to apply; requires your concession card number and utility account details.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply if you change your energy provider or move house.

ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme

state · Transport Canberra

Who qualifies
ACT residents with a permanent disability that prevents them from using public transport.
What you get
Subsidies covering 50-75% of taxi fares up to a maximum cap per trip.
What it actually costs you
Requires a medical assessment form signed by your GP.
Common gotcha
The subsidy is loaded onto a specific smartcard; it doesn't work with standard credit cards.

Actsmart Household Energy Efficiency Program

state · Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate

Who qualifies
Low-income households or those holding a concession card.
What you get
Free home energy assessments and subsidised upgrades like LED lighting or draught sealing.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires proof of concession status.
Common gotcha
Waitlists can be long depending on the season.

Rates Deferral Scheme

state · ACT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Pensioners or those experiencing financial hardship who own their home.
What you get
Allows you to defer payment of your general rates until the property is sold or transferred.
What it actually costs you
Requires a formal application and evidence of financial hardship.
Common gotcha
Interest is charged on the deferred amount, which can accumulate over time.

Growing my business

Small Business Innovation Grants

state · Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

Who qualifies
Small businesses operating in the ACT with fewer than 20 employees.
What you get
Matching grants of up to $10,000 for business improvement projects.
What it actually costs you
Requires a detailed business plan and proof of matching funds.
Common gotcha
These are competitive grants, not entitlements; you must show how the project increases revenue.

Digital Business Kit

state · Access Canberra

Who qualifies
ACT-based small business owners.
What you get
Access to free digital advisory services and subsidised software subscriptions.
What it actually costs you
Time for consultation sessions.
Common gotcha
Only covers specific approved software providers.

WorkSafe ACT Small Business Rebate

state · WorkSafe ACT

Who qualifies
Small businesses purchasing safety equipment to reduce workplace injury.
What you get
Rebate of up to $1,000 on safety-related equipment.
What it actually costs you
Must purchase the equipment first and submit receipts.
Common gotcha
Equipment must be on the approved list to qualify.
New South Wales

As a merchandiser in Sydney, Kenji navigates high living costs by leveraging state-specific rebates and transport concessions that make urban life manageable.

Getting around Sydney for less

Opal Concession Card

state · Transport for NSW

Who qualifies
Apprentices, trainees, and specific job seekers residing in NSW.
What you get
Half-price fares on all public transport across the Sydney metropolitan area.
What it actually costs you
Free to apply; requires a valid student or concession ID card.
Common gotcha
You must ensure your eligibility is renewed annually, or your card will revert to full adult fare without warning.

M5 South-West Cashback Scheme

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
NSW residents who use the M5 motorway for regular commuting.
What you get
Cashback on toll costs exceeding a certain threshold for private vehicle use.
What it actually costs you
Requires an active E-Toll account and submission of claims every quarter.
Common gotcha
Claims must be lodged within 12 months of the toll being incurred or you lose the credit.

Active Kids Rebate

state · Office of Sport

Who qualifies
Parents of school-aged children in NSW.
What you get
Vouchers worth $50 per child per year for sports and active recreation registration.
What it actually costs you
Claimable via Service NSW; requires a MyServiceNSW account.
Common gotcha
Vouchers must be used at registered providers; they cannot be redeemed for cash.

FuelCheck App

state · NSW Fair Trading

Who qualifies
All motorists in NSW.
What you get
Real-time fuel price monitoring to find the cheapest petrol in your immediate vicinity.
What it actually costs you
Free mobile app; requires data connection.
Common gotcha
Prices update in real-time, so check the app right before you pull into the station.

Managing the cost of living

Family Energy Rebate

state · Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Who qualifies
Low-income families who hold a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
What you get
Annual credit of up to $180 applied directly to your electricity bill.
What it actually costs you
Application form required; usually processed once per financial year.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply every year; it does not automatically roll over.

Creative Kids Voucher

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
Parents of school-aged children in NSW.
What you get
One $50 voucher per year for creative activities like music, art, or coding classes.
What it actually costs you
Digital voucher via Service NSW app.
Common gotcha
Cannot be used for school-run activities; must be an external registered provider.

Back to School NSW Vouchers

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
Parents of children enrolled in primary or secondary school in NSW.
What you get
Three $50 vouchers to spend on school supplies like uniforms, shoes, and stationery.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of school enrollment.
Common gotcha
Vouchers expire at the end of the school year; they cannot be saved for the following year.

NSW Rental Bond Board Assistance

state · Fair Trading NSW

Who qualifies
Low-income earners struggling to pay the bond for a new rental property.
What you get
Interest-free loan to cover the rental bond.
What it actually costs you
Means-tested application; must be repaid when the tenancy ends.
Common gotcha
The loan is paid directly to the landlord or agent, not to the tenant.
Northern Territory

As a merchandiser in the NT, you navigate unique remote-area cost-of-living offsets and specific industry grants designed to keep supply chains moving across vast distances.

Keeping my head above water in the Top End

Northern Territory Concession Scheme

state · Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
NT residents receiving Centrelink benefits or holding a Pensioner Concession Card.
What you get
Subsidies on electricity, water, sewerage, and council rates.
What it actually costs you
Free to apply; requires proof of residency and current concession card.
Common gotcha
You must re-verify your eligibility every year or the subsidy stops automatically.

Pensioner and Carer Bonus Scheme

state · Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
NT residents who receive specific Centrelink payments for pensioners or carers.
What you get
An annual payment of $200 to help with household expenses.
What it actually costs you
No application needed if you are already on the NT Concession Scheme; it is paid automatically.
Common gotcha
It is only paid once per financial year, usually in the first quarter.

NT School Sports Voucher Scheme

state · Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
Parents of school-aged children in the NT.
What you get
$200 per child, per semester, for sport, culture, or music lessons.
What it actually costs you
Online registration; must be used at registered providers.
Common gotcha
Vouchers expire at the end of each semester; they do not roll over.

First Home Owner Discount

state · Department of Treasury and Finance

Who qualifies
First-time buyers purchasing an established home in the NT.
What you get
Stamp duty discount of up to $18,601 on homes valued up to $650,000.
What it actually costs you
Requires a formal application with the Commissioner of Territory Revenue.
Common gotcha
You must move into the home within 12 months and live there for at least 6 months.

Tools for the trade

Small Business Business Improvement Grant

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
NT-based small businesses looking to improve operations.
What you get
Matching grants up to $10,000 for equipment or professional advice.
What it actually costs you
Requires a detailed business plan and 50% co-contribution.
Common gotcha
You must be a registered NT business for at least 6 months prior to applying.

NT WorkSafe Small Business Rebate

state · NT WorkSafe

Who qualifies
Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.
What you get
Rebate of up to $1,000 for purchasing safety equipment.
What it actually costs you
Must purchase the item first, then submit receipts for reimbursement.
Common gotcha
The equipment must be directly related to reducing workplace injury risk.

NT Training and Workforce Development Grant

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
Employers training staff in critical skill areas.
What you get
Funding to offset the cost of external training courses.
What it actually costs you
Requires a training plan and evidence of employee completion.
Common gotcha
Training must be delivered by a registered training organization (RTO).
Queensland

Queensland offers specific cost-of-living relief and industry-specific training grants that help merchandisers manage high regional transport costs and professional development.

Keeping my bills down

Queensland Cost of Living Rebate

state · Department of Energy and Climate

Who qualifies
All Queensland households with an electricity account.
What you get
A $1,000 credit applied directly to electricity bills.
What it actually costs you
Automatic; no application required for most residents.
Common gotcha
Only applies to the primary account holder's bill.

FairPlay Vouchers

state · Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport

Who qualifies
Parents of children aged 5-17 who hold a Health Care Card.
What you get
Vouchers worth up to $200 for sports club membership fees.
What it actually costs you
Online application via the QGrants portal.
Common gotcha
Vouchers are released in rounds and expire quickly.

Translink Concession Fares

state · Translink

Who qualifies
Holders of a Queensland Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
50% discount on all public transport fares across the state.
What it actually costs you
Requires a registered go card linked to your concession status.
Common gotcha
You must tap on and off to ensure the discount applies correctly.

Upskilling for better roles

Free TAFE for Queenslanders

state · Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

Who qualifies
Queensland residents enrolling in specific priority industry courses.
What you get
Full tuition fee waiver for certificate and diploma courses.
What it actually costs you
Proof of residency and meeting course entry requirements.
Common gotcha
Only covers tuition; student services fees may still apply.

Small Business Digital Grants

state · Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

Who qualifies
Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.
What you get
Matching funding up to $10,000 for digital technology upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Must provide a business plan and evidence of co-contribution.
Common gotcha
Competitive application process; not guaranteed funding.
South Australia

South Australia offers specific cost-of-living relief and industry-specific licensing support for retail and logistics professionals living in Adelaide.

Keeping my bills down

Cost of Living Concession

state · Department of Human Services

Who qualifies
Low-income earners, pensioners, and self-funded retirees who own or rent their home.
What you get
An annual payment of up to $255.60 to help with council rates or energy bills.
What it actually costs you
Free to apply; requires your Centrelink CRN or proof of income.
Common gotcha
You must apply by the end of the financial year; it is not automatically backdated.

Energy Bill Relief Fund

state · SA Government

Who qualifies
Households receiving a government concession or holding a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
What you get
Direct credit applied to your electricity account, usually around $500.
What it actually costs you
No application if you are already on a concession; otherwise, apply via the SA portal.
Common gotcha
The credit is applied to your bill, not paid as cash into your bank account.

Water and Sewerage Rates Concession

state · SA Water

Who qualifies
Eligible pensioners and low-income earners who are the primary account holder.
What you get
A reduction of up to 30% on water and sewerage rates.
What it actually costs you
Requires an application form linked to your SA Water account number.
Common gotcha
If you are a tenant, you must ensure your landlord or agent is not already claiming this on your behalf.

Metrocard Concession

state · Adelaide Metro

Who qualifies
Holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
Discounted fares on all Adelaide Metro buses, trains, and trams.
What it actually costs you
Requires a valid concession card and an Adelaide Metro photo ID card.
Common gotcha
You must carry your concession card with you at all times; inspectors will fine you if you don't.

Upskilling for my career

Subsidised Training List

state · Skilled Careers SA

Who qualifies
SA residents aged 16+ who are Australian citizens or permanent residents.
What you get
Government-funded training in retail management, logistics, or warehousing certificates.
What it actually costs you
Student co-contribution fees apply, varying by course provider.
Common gotcha
You can only access a limited number of subsidised places per year.

Small Business Advisory Service

state · Business SA

Who qualifies
Merchandisers or retail contractors operating as sole traders in SA.
What you get
Free or low-cost business advice, mentoring, and legal guidance.
What it actually costs you
Time for an initial consultation; some specialized services require a fee.
Common gotcha
This is advisory, not a cash grant; don't expect funding for inventory.
Tasmania

Tasmania offers unique cost-of-living support and industry-specific grants for merchandisers and small business operators navigating the island's distinct logistics and retail landscape.

Keeping my business afloat and growing

Small Business Advice Service

state · Business Tasmania

Who qualifies
Tasmanian small business owners and sole traders.
What you get
Up to 4 hours of free, confidential business advice from professional consultants.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires an ABN and a brief online registration form.
Common gotcha
You must apply for the voucher before booking your consultant.

Small Business Grants Program

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Small businesses looking to invest in equipment or digital upgrades.
What you get
Matching grants typically ranging from $500 to $5,000.
What it actually costs you
Requires a detailed project plan and proof of matching funds.
Common gotcha
Funds are competitive and often exhaust quickly when rounds open.

Digital Ready Tasmania

state · Business Tasmania

Who qualifies
Small business owners needing help with e-commerce and online merchandising.
What you get
Free workshops and one-on-one coaching for digital transformation.
What it actually costs you
Time commitment for workshops; no application fee.
Common gotcha
Coaching spots fill up months in advance.

Payroll Tax Rebate for Apprentices

state · State Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Businesses hiring apprentices or trainees in retail or logistics.
What you get
Exemption or rebate on payroll tax for eligible new hires.
What it actually costs you
Requires registration with the Department of State Growth.
Common gotcha
Must be claimed within specific timeframes after hiring.

Managing my household bills

Tasmanian Energy Concession

state · Department of Treasury and Finance

Who qualifies
Holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
A daily discount on electricity bills (approx. $1.50/day).
What it actually costs you
Automatic if you provide your card details to your energy retailer.
Common gotcha
Ensure your name on the bill matches the card exactly.

Vehicle Registration Concession

state · Department of State Growth

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

Student Travel Concession

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Full-time students using public transport.
What you get
Significant reduction in bus and ferry fares.
What it actually costs you
Requires a student ID card and a Greencard.
Common gotcha
Must carry your student ID at all times when travelling.

Student Assistance Scheme (STAS)

state · Department for Education, Children and Young People

Who qualifies
Low-income families with children in government schools.
What you get
Full waiver of school levies and charges.
What it actually costs you
Annual application form submitted to the school office.
Common gotcha
Must re-apply every year even if your status hasn't changed.
Victoria

Victoria offers a unique blend of cost-of-living relief and industry-specific training grants that help merchandisers manage the high urban expenses of Melbourne.

Keeping my head above water in Melbourne

Victorian Energy Saver Bonus

state · Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Who qualifies
Any Victorian residential energy account holder.
What you get
A one-off $250 payment for comparing energy deals on the state portal.
What it actually costs you
15 minutes, your most recent electricity bill, and a valid email address.
Common gotcha
You must use the official state comparison site, not a third-party aggregator, to trigger the payment.

Victorian Student Pass

state · Public Transport Victoria

Who qualifies
Full-time students attending a registered Victorian institution.
What you get
Half-price annual public transport travel across all zones.
What it actually costs you
Proof of enrolment and a $9 card fee.
Common gotcha
You must apply through your university's student portal to get the discount code first.

Renting Assistance Fund

state · Homes Victoria

Who qualifies
Renters experiencing severe financial hardship or crisis.
What you get
One-off grant to cover rent arrears and prevent eviction.
What it actually costs you
Evidence of income and a letter from your landlord or agent.
Common gotcha
This is a crisis fund, not a regular subsidy; you must prove an unexpected change in circumstances.

Car Registration Concession

state · VicRoads

Who qualifies
Holders of a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
50% discount on annual vehicle registration fees.
What it actually costs you
Your concession card number and vehicle plate details.
Common gotcha
It only applies to one vehicle per household.

Upskilling for the retail floor

Free TAFE for Priority Courses

state · Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions

Who qualifies
Victorian residents looking to enter high-demand industries.
What you get
Tuition-free training in certificate and diploma courses.
What it actually costs you
Standard enrolment process; some courses have material fees.
Common gotcha
You can only do one 'Free TAFE' course in your lifetime, so choose wisely.

Small Business Mentoring Program

state · Business Victoria

Who qualifies
Small business owners or those looking to start a retail venture.
What you get
Low-cost 1-on-1 mentoring sessions with industry experts.
What it actually costs you
A small co-contribution fee (approx $50-100) per session.
Common gotcha
Sessions book out months in advance; check the portal regularly.

WorkSafe OHS Training Subsidy

state · WorkSafe Victoria

Who qualifies
Employees designated as Health and Safety Representatives.
What you get
Full reimbursement for mandatory OHS training costs.
What it actually costs you
Employer approval and course registration receipts.
Common gotcha
You must be elected as a representative by your coworkers first.
Western Australia

Western Australia offers unique cost-of-living support and industry-specific licensing that helps merchandisers manage the high costs of the Perth metropolitan area.

Keeping my head above water

Household Electricity Credit

state · Synergy

Who qualifies
All residential electricity account holders in WA.
What you get
Automatic application for Synergy customers, no form needed.
Common gotcha
If you rent and electricity is included in your rent, you must ensure your landlord passes on the credit.

Transperth SmartRider Concession

state · Public Transport Authority

Who qualifies
Eligible students or low-income earners with a Health Care Card.
What you get
Requires a SmartRider card and proof of concession status.
Common gotcha
You must renew your concession status annually or you will be charged full adult fares.

WA Seniors Card Discount

state · Department of Communities

Who qualifies
Permanent WA residents aged 65+ working less than 25 hours per week.
What you get
Application form and proof of identity required.
Common gotcha
The discount is not automatic; you must present your card at participating retailers.

Secondary Assistance Scheme

state · Department of Education

Who qualifies
Parents with children in years 7-12 holding a valid Health Care Card.
What you get
Application must be submitted through the school office by the end of Term 1.
Common gotcha
Miss the Term 1 deadline and you lose the payment for the year.

Staying compliant on the job

Construction Induction Training (White Card)

state · WorkSafe WA

Who qualifies
Anyone working on construction sites or performing merchandising installations in retail fit-outs.
What you get
Costs $50-$100 depending on the RTO; requires one-day training.
Common gotcha
Online-only courses are often not recognized; ensure the RTO is WA-accredited.

Retail Trading Hours Exemption

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

Who qualifies
Small businesses or merchandisers operating in restricted trading zones.
What you get
Application fee applies; requires business registration.
Common gotcha
Perth has strict Sunday trading laws; check your specific council area zoning.

Small Business Development Corporation Support

state · SBDC

Who qualifies
WA-based small business owners and independent contractors.
What you get
Requires ABN and business registration in WA.
Common gotcha
The advisory services are free, but you must book well in advance.