Australia hubs

Talia

Make-up Artist

AustraliaEnglish (English)$ AUD

Talia is a freelance make-up artist balancing gig work, studio rentals, and the fluctuating costs of living in Australia. This hub tracks the essential federal support, tax tools, and regulatory requirements she needs to keep her kit stocked and her business legal.

Keeping my business legal and tax-ready

Managing ABNs, GST, and tax deductions is the difference between a profitable year and a stressful audit.

Australian Business Number (ABN)

national · Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

Who qualifies
Sole traders and freelancers earning income from business activities.
What you get
A unique 11-digit identifier to invoice clients and claim business expenses.
What it actually costs you
Free to apply; requires TFN and identity documents.
Common gotcha
You must register for GST if your annual turnover exceeds $75,000.

ATO myDeductions App

national · Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

Who qualifies
All sole traders and employees.
What you get
A digital tool to log makeup kit expenses, travel, and professional development costs.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires consistent data entry throughout the year.
Common gotcha
You must keep digital images of physical receipts for 5 years.

Instant Asset Write-off

national · Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

Who qualifies
Small businesses with an aggregated turnover below $10 million.
What you get
Immediate tax deduction for the cost of business assets like professional makeup chairs or lighting kits.
What it actually costs you
Requires purchase of assets within the financial year; keep invoices.
Common gotcha
The threshold amount changes frequently based on federal budget updates.

Small Business Debt Helpline

national · Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman

Who qualifies
Small business owners struggling with tax or supplier debt.
What you get
Free, confidential financial counseling and advice.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires a phone call.
Common gotcha
People often wait until they are in severe distress before calling.

business.gov.au

national · Department of Industry, Science and Resources

Who qualifies
All Australian business owners.
What you get
Templates for contracts, business planning, and regulatory compliance guides.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires time to navigate the portal.
Common gotcha
It is a massive site; use the search bar for specific industry guides.

PAYG Instalments

national · Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

Who qualifies
Sole traders with tax liabilities from business income.
What you get
A system to pay your tax in quarterly chunks rather than one big bill.
What it actually costs you
Requires quarterly reporting; interest may apply if you underpay.
Common gotcha
It is easy to forget to set aside the money for the quarterly payment.

When I need a safety net

As a freelancer, I don't have sick leave, so I need to know how to access public health and income support.

Medicare

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
All Australian citizens and permanent residents.
What you get
Subsidised medical services and free treatment in public hospitals.
What it actually costs you
Funded through the Medicare Levy on your tax return.
Common gotcha
Does not cover most dental or cosmetic procedures.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

national · Department of Health and Aged Care

Who qualifies
All Medicare card holders.
What you get
Subsidised prescription medication costs.
What it actually costs you
You pay a co-payment; the government covers the rest.
Common gotcha
Not all medications are on the PBS list.

JobSeeker Payment

national · Centrelink

Who qualifies
People between 22 and pension age who are unemployed or unable to work.
What you get
Fortnightly income support payments.
What it actually costs you
Requires strict adherence to 'mutual obligation' requirements.
Common gotcha
The asset and income test is very strict for freelancers.

Low Income Health Care Card

national · Centrelink

Who qualifies
People on low incomes meeting specific criteria.
What you get
Cheaper prescription medicines and some bulk-billed doctor visits.
What it actually costs you
Requires application and proof of income.
Common gotcha
You must re-verify your income regularly to keep it.

Medicare Safety Net

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Anyone with high out-of-pocket medical costs.
What you get
Higher Medicare benefits once you hit a certain threshold of costs.
What it actually costs you
Automatic tracking; no application needed.
Common gotcha
You must register your family as a unit to combine costs.

Safe Work Australia

national · Safe Work Australia

Who qualifies
All workers and business owners.
What you get
Guidelines on workplace safety, including hygiene for makeup tools.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires compliance with standards.
Common gotcha
Freelancers are responsible for their own safety protocols.

Leveling up my craft

Keeping my skills current with accredited training helps me charge premium rates.

VET Student Loans

national · Department of Education

Who qualifies
Students enrolled in approved vocational courses.
What you get
Loan to cover tuition fees for diploma-level courses.
What it actually costs you
Repaid through the tax system once you earn above a threshold.
Common gotcha
Only applies to specific approved providers.

My Skills Portal

national · National Careers Institute

Who qualifies
Anyone looking for vocational training.
What you get
Database of all accredited training providers in Australia.
What it actually costs you
Free to search.
Common gotcha
Ensure the provider is RTO-registered.

Skills Priority List

national · Jobs and Skills Australia

Who qualifies
Workers looking for high-demand career paths.
What you get
Data on which industries are growing to help plan career moves.
What it actually costs you
Free information.
Common gotcha
It is a macro-level tool; use it for market research.

Australian Apprenticeships

national · Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

Who qualifies
People starting a trade or certificate-based career.
What you get
Financial support and training pathway guidance.
What it actually costs you
Requires finding an employer to sponsor the apprenticeship.
Common gotcha
Makeup artistry is often a certificate course, not a traditional apprenticeship.

training.gov.au

national · Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

Who qualifies
Students and industry professionals.
What you get
Official record of all national training packages and units.
What it actually costs you
Free; very technical interface.
Common gotcha
It is not a course search engine; it is a database of standards.

National Careers Institute

national · Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

Who qualifies
Anyone planning their career.
What you get
Career advice and information on industry trends.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
Focuses on broad trends rather than niche freelance advice.

Protecting myself as a consumer

When I buy expensive equipment that breaks, I need to know my rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

Australian Consumer Law (ACL)

national · ACCC

Who qualifies
All Australian consumers.
What you get
Guaranteed rights to repairs, replacements, or refunds for faulty goods.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires proof of purchase.
Common gotcha
Does not cover 'change of mind' returns.

Scamwatch

national · ACCC

Who qualifies
Everyone.
What you get
Alerts on current scams targeting small businesses.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
Check this before clicking links in 'urgent' emails.

ASBFEO Dispute Resolution

national · ASBFEO

Who qualifies
Small businesses in disputes with other businesses or government.
What you get
Mediation services to resolve commercial disputes.
What it actually costs you
Low-cost mediation fees.
Common gotcha
You must try to resolve the issue yourself first.

OAIC Privacy Complaints

national · Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

Who qualifies
Anyone whose privacy has been breached.
What you get
Investigation into data breaches by businesses.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
You must complain to the business first before the OAIC will act.

eSafety Commissioner

national · eSafety Commissioner

Who qualifies
Anyone experiencing online abuse.
What you get
Tools to report and remove abusive content online.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
Focuses on severe abuse and cyberbullying.

ACCC Small Business Hub

national · ACCC

Who qualifies
Small business owners.
What you get
Guides on fair trading and competition laws.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
Don't ignore the 'unfair contract terms' section.

State-level schemes

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

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra offers unique cost-of-living support and small business grants tailored for the ACT's tight-knit creative and freelance economy.

Keeping my freelance business running

ACT Small Business Innovation Grant

state · Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate

Who qualifies
ACT-based small businesses with fewer than 20 staff.
What you get
Grants up to $5,000 for business improvements or equipment.
What it actually costs you
Requires a business plan and proof of ABN; competitive application process.
Common gotcha
Funding rounds open periodically; you must apply during the specific window.

WorkSafe ACT Small Business Rebate

state · WorkSafe ACT

Who qualifies
Small businesses purchasing safety equipment.
What you get
Rebate of up to $1,000 for safety-related purchases.
What it actually costs you
Receipts for safety gear and a completed application form.
Common gotcha
Must be for specific safety items, not general business supplies.

ACT Skilled Capital

state · Skills Canberra

Who qualifies
ACT residents seeking to upskill in creative or business fields.
What you get
Subsidised tuition fees for accredited training courses.
What it actually costs you
Enrolment in an approved RTO course; proof of residency.
Common gotcha
Only applies to specific courses on the current skills list.

Managing the Canberra cost of living

ACT Utilities Concession

state · ACT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Low-income earners holding a valid concession card.
What you get
Annual rebate on electricity, gas, and water bills.
What it actually costs you
Application form and your concession card details.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply if your circumstances change or card expires.

ACT Transport Concession

state · Transport Canberra

Who qualifies
Holders of a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
What you get
Discounted fares on ACTION buses and light rail.
What it actually costs you
MyWay card registration and proof of eligibility.
Common gotcha
You must tap on and off to maintain the concession status.

Rental Bond Help

state · Housing ACT

Who qualifies
Low-income renters struggling with upfront bond costs.
What you get
Interest-free loan to cover the rental bond.
What it actually costs you
Income assessment and rental agreement proof.
Common gotcha
It is a loan, not a grant; it must be repaid.
New South Wales

As a make-up artist in Sydney, Talia navigates a mix of high-end freelance opportunities and strict hygiene regulations, requiring specific local business support and industry-specific health compliance.

Growing my freelance business

Service NSW Business Concierge

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
Sole traders and small business owners in NSW.
What you get
Free, requires a Business Connect appointment and ABN.
Common gotcha
It is not a grant provider itself, but a navigator to find them.

Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
Small businesses with a total wages bill below the payroll tax threshold.
What you get
Requires proof of payment for eligible fees like council rates or professional licenses.
Common gotcha
Must be claimed within the financial year the expense was incurred.

Business Connect Advisory

state · Investment NSW

Who qualifies
NSW-based small business owners.
What you get
Registration online, then booking a session with a local advisor.
Common gotcha
You need to be prepared with specific questions about your business plan.

Staying compliant and safe

Skin Penetration Premises Notification

municipal · Local Council

Who qualifies
Any business performing skin penetration, including tattooing or certain cosmetic procedures.
What you get
Annual inspection fee (varies by council) and strict hygiene documentation.
Common gotcha
Even if you only do microblading, you must register as a skin penetration premises.

Public Health Regulation 2022 (Skin Penetration)

state · NSW Health

Who qualifies
All beauty and cosmetic service providers in NSW.
What you get
No cost, but requires mandatory autoclave logs and sterilization records.
Common gotcha
Failure to keep logs updated can lead to immediate fines during an inspection.

Getting around Sydney

Opal Daily Travel Cap

state · Transport for NSW

Who qualifies
All commuters using public transport in Sydney.
What you get
Requires an Opal card or contactless payment method.
Common gotcha
The cap is lower on weekends than weekdays.
Northern Territory

As a make-up artist in the NT, you navigate unique small business grants and remote-area cost-of-living supports that help offset the high expenses of operating in the Top End.

Keeping my freelance business running

Business Growth Program

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
Small businesses operating in the NT for at least 6 months.
What you get
Vouchers up to $10,000 for professional advice or training.
What it actually costs you
Requires a 25% co-contribution and a registered business name.
Common gotcha
You must apply for the voucher before engaging the consultant.

Small Business Champion

state · NT Government

Who qualifies
Sole traders and small business owners needing guidance.
What you get
Free one-on-one business advisory services.
What it actually costs you
Time for meetings; no financial cost.
Common gotcha
It is not a grant, but a mentorship service.

Trade Support Scheme

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
NT-based businesses looking to expand services.
What you get
Financial assistance for marketing and business development.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan and financial statements.
Common gotcha
Strict reporting requirements on how funds are spent.

Immediate Work Grant

state · NT Government

Who qualifies
Businesses hiring local apprentices or trainees.
What you get
Subsidies for training costs.
What it actually costs you
Must have a formal training contract.
Common gotcha
Only applies to specific industry sectors.

Managing life in the Territory

NT Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme

state · Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
NT residents receiving specific Centrelink payments.
What you get
Discounts on electricity, water, and public transport.
What it actually costs you
Proof of residency and pension card.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply if your circumstances change.

First Home Owner Discount

state · NT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
First-time buyers of established homes in the NT.
What you get
Stamp duty discount up to $18,601.
What it actually costs you
Must occupy the home for at least 6 months.
Common gotcha
Only applies to established homes, not new builds.

Sport Voucher Scheme

state · Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
Parents of school-aged children.
What you get
$200 per child per semester for sports fees.
What it actually costs you
Online registration via the NT portal.
Common gotcha
Vouchers expire at the end of the semester.

Remote Area Allowance (NT Supplement)

state · NT Treasury

Who qualifies
Residents living in specific remote NT zones.
What you get
Additional cost-of-living relief payments.
What it actually costs you
Annual tax return filing.
Common gotcha
Zone eligibility changes based on postcode.
Queensland

Queensland offers unique small business grants and vocational training subsidies that help freelance beauty professionals like Talia scale their kit and client base.

Growing my beauty business

Small Business Entrepreneur Grants

state · Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

Who qualifies
Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees operating in Queensland.
What you get
Matched funding up to $5,000 for professional advice or specialized equipment.
What it actually costs you
Requires a 50% co-contribution and a detailed business plan.
Common gotcha
The grant rounds are highly competitive and open for very short windows.

Small Business Wellness Coaching

state · Queensland Government

Who qualifies
Sole traders and small business owners in Queensland.
What you get
Free, confidential one-on-one coaching to manage business stress and burnout.
What it actually costs you
Time for sessions; no financial cost.
Common gotcha
It is not a financial bailout; it is strictly for mental health and business resilience.

Digital Business Solutions

state · Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

Who qualifies
Queensland-based small businesses looking to improve their online presence.
What you get
Subsidized digital advisory services to improve booking systems or social media marketing.
What it actually costs you
A small co-payment fee for the advisory session.
Common gotcha
You must use an approved digital advisor from the government list.

WorkSafe QLD Small Business Rebate

state · WorkSafe Queensland

Who qualifies
Small businesses purchasing equipment to improve workplace safety.
What you get
Rebate of up to $5,000 for safety gear or ergonomic equipment.
What it actually costs you
Proof of purchase and safety audit documentation required.
Common gotcha
You must apply for the rebate before purchasing the equipment.

Leveling up my skills

Certificate 3 Guarantee

state · Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

Who qualifies
Queensland residents who do not already hold a Certificate III or higher qualification.
What you get
Government-subsidized training for vocational courses like Beauty Therapy.
What it actually costs you
A small student co-contribution fee.
Common gotcha
You can only use this subsidy once in your lifetime.

Higher Level Skills Program

state · Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

Who qualifies
Individuals seeking to upskill in specific industry-aligned qualifications.
What you get
Subsidies for Diploma-level courses in specialized beauty or business management.
What it actually costs you
Partial tuition fees paid by the student.
Common gotcha
Only specific RTOs (Registered Training Organisations) are approved for this funding.

Living and getting around

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
Voucher of $150 to cover registration or membership fees for sports and active recreation.
What it actually costs you
Must apply via the online portal during open rounds.
Common gotcha
Vouchers are limited and go very quickly after the round opens.

Translink Concession Fare

state · Translink

Who qualifies
Holders of a Queensland Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
50% discount on public transport fares across Brisbane and Queensland.
What it actually costs you
Must carry your concession card while traveling.
Common gotcha
You must register your Go Card with the concession status to get the discount automatically.
South Australia

South Australia offers a unique blend of small-business support and creative industry grants that help freelance make-up artists thrive in Adelaide's growing film and wedding sectors.

Growing my freelance business

Small Business Grants

state · Government of South Australia

Who qualifies
Registered small businesses in SA with an ABN.
What you get
Funding for business development, marketing, or equipment upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan and proof of expenditure; competitive application process.
Common gotcha
The grants are often highly competitive and require a clear ROI demonstration.

Creative Industries Support

state · Arts South Australia

Who qualifies
Freelance artists and creative professionals working in SA.
What you get
Project-based funding for creative collaborations or portfolio expansion.
What it actually costs you
Project proposal and budget breakdown.
Common gotcha
Must demonstrate how the project contributes to the local SA creative economy.

Small Business Work Health and Safety Rebate

state · ReturnToWorkSA

Who qualifies
Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.
What you get
Reimbursement for up to $500 on safety equipment or training.
What it actually costs you
Receipts for safety items like ergonomic chairs or lighting.
Common gotcha
Items must be purchased before applying for the rebate.

Payroll Tax Exemption for Small Business

state · RevenueSA

Who qualifies
Businesses with annual taxable wages below the threshold.
What you get
Exemption from paying state payroll tax.
What it actually costs you
Annual registration with RevenueSA.
Common gotcha
You still need to register even if you are below the threshold.

Getting around Adelaide

Adelaide Metro Concession Card

state · Department for Infrastructure and Transport

Who qualifies
Low-income earners or those holding a Pensioner Concession Card.
What you get
Discounted fares on all Adelaide Metro buses, trains, and trams.
What it actually costs you
Application fee for the card; proof of income.
Common gotcha
Must carry the card at all times while using the concession fare.

Vehicle Registration Concession

state · Service SA

Who qualifies
Holders of specific government concession cards.
What you get
Reduced annual vehicle registration fees.
What it actually costs you
Annual renewal process via Service SA.
Common gotcha
Only applies to one vehicle per person.

Cost of Living Concession

state · Department of Human Services

Who qualifies
Low-income households in SA.
What you get
Annual payment to help with energy and living costs.
What it actually costs you
Online application form.
Common gotcha
Must be applied for annually; it does not automatically renew.
Tasmania

Tasmania offers unique small business grants and regional lifestyle incentives that help freelance creatives like Talia manage the high cost of living and logistics of island-based service work.

Growing my freelance kit and business

Small Business Growth Loan

state · Business Tasmania

Who qualifies
Tasmanian small businesses with a valid ABN looking to expand operations.
What you get
Low-interest loans between $2,000 and $250,000 for equipment or business development.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan, financial statements, and application through the Business Tasmania portal.
Common gotcha
Requires proof of financial viability; they won't lend to businesses that are already struggling to pay basic bills.

Business Tasmania Advisory Service

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Any registered Tasmanian business owner.
What you get
Free one-on-one business advice, mentoring, and workshops on marketing and tax compliance.
What it actually costs you
Your time; booking an appointment online is required.
Common gotcha
Sessions fill up quickly; book at least 3 weeks in advance.

Digital Ready for Business

state · Business Tasmania

Who qualifies
Small businesses needing to improve their online booking systems or social media presence.
What you get
Access to free workshops and digital audits to improve your online portfolio.
What it actually costs you
Registration via the portal; no out-of-pocket fees.
Common gotcha
Focuses on digital strategy rather than direct cash grants for hardware.

Payroll Tax Rebate for Apprentices

state · State Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Businesses hiring apprentices or trainees in specific industries.
What you get
Rebate on payroll tax for the duration of the apprenticeship.
What it actually costs you
Must register the training contract with Skills Tasmania.
Common gotcha
Only applies if you are large enough to pay payroll tax, which is rare for sole traders.

Managing life on the island

Tasmanian Energy Bill Relief

state · Aurora Energy

Who qualifies
Low-income earners holding a valid concession card.
What you get
Annual discount on electricity bills, usually applied as a credit.
What it actually costs you
Automatic if your concession card is linked to your account.
Common gotcha
You must notify Aurora if your concession status changes, or you might face a back-payment.

Vehicle Registration Concession

state · Transport Services Tasmania

Who qualifies
Holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
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 person.

Student Travel Concession

state · Metro Tasmania

Who qualifies
Full-time students at Tasmanian institutions.
What you get
Discounted bus fares across the state.
What it actually costs you
Requires a student ID card and a Greencard.
Common gotcha
You must tap on and off every single time to get the correct fare.

Patient Travel Assistance Scheme (PTAS)

state · Tasmanian Health Service

Who qualifies
Tasmanians who must travel long distances for specialist medical treatment not available locally.
What you get
Reimbursement for travel and accommodation costs.
What it actually costs you
Requires medical referral and receipts for all travel.
Common gotcha
You must apply for pre-approval before you travel for non-emergency appointments.
Victoria

Victoria offers a robust small business ecosystem for creative freelancers, with specific grants and safety nets that help make-up artists navigate the gig economy.

Growing my freelance kit and business

Small Business Bus

state · Business Victoria

Who qualifies
Victorian small business owners and freelancers.
What you get
Free 45-minute advisory session, requires online booking.
Common gotcha
Sessions book out weeks in advance, so check the schedule early.

Small Business Victoria Grants

state · Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions

Who qualifies
Registered Victorian businesses with an ABN.
What you get
Varying amounts for equipment upgrades or digital marketing.
What it actually costs you
Detailed business plan and proof of ABN registration.
Common gotcha
Grants are often competitive and have short application windows.

WorkSafe Small Business Rebate

state · WorkSafe Victoria

Who qualifies
Small businesses with up to 50 employees.
What you get
Rebate of up to $1,000 for purchasing safety equipment.
What it actually costs you
Must attend a safety workshop first.
Common gotcha
You must buy the equipment first and claim the rebate later.

Digital Solutions Program

state · Business Victoria

Who qualifies
Sole traders and small business owners.
What you get
Low-cost advisory on social media, website SEO, and digital booking systems.
What it actually costs you
Small co-contribution fee for extended mentoring.
Common gotcha
The program is often delivered through third-party providers.

Saving on my daily commute and living

Victorian Public Transport Concessions

state · Public Transport Victoria

Who qualifies
Holders of a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
What you get
50% discount on daily and weekly Myki fares.
What it actually costs you
Must have a valid Centrelink concession card.
Common gotcha
You must link your concession card to your Myki account.

Victorian Seniors Card

state · Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Who qualifies
Victorian residents aged 60+ working less than 35 hours a week.
What you get
Discounts on public transport, utilities, and retail stores.
What it actually costs you
Free application, proof of age and residency required.
Common gotcha
Doesn't apply to all businesses, always ask if they offer a discount.

Victorian Energy Compare

state · Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Who qualifies
All Victorian residential energy customers.
What you get
A one-off $250 payment for comparing energy deals.
What it actually costs you
Copy of your latest energy bill.
Common gotcha
The bonus is only available once per household per round.
Western Australia

Western Australia offers unique small business grants and specialized industry training support that help freelance beauty professionals navigate the high cost of living in Perth.

Growing my freelance beauty business

Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) Advisory Service

state · Small Business Development Corporation

Who qualifies
Any registered sole trader or small business owner in WA.
What you get
Free one-on-one business advice, workshops, and commercial lease guidance.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires booking an appointment and having your ABN ready.
Common gotcha
People often forget they can access free legal advice for lease disputes through this service.

WA Small Business Grants

state · Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation

Who qualifies
WA-based small businesses looking to engage professional services for growth.
What you get
Reimbursement of up to 50% of costs for business planning, marketing, or financial advice.
What it actually costs you
Requires upfront payment and a detailed application process with invoices.
Common gotcha
You must apply and be approved before you pay for the services.

Payroll Tax Exemption Threshold

state · RevenueWA

Who qualifies
Small businesses with a total Australian taxable payroll below the threshold.
What you get
Exemption from paying state payroll tax.
What it actually costs you
Annual registration with RevenueWA if you hire staff.
Common gotcha
Thresholds change annually; check your payroll status every July.

Staying ahead in the beauty industry

Lower Fees, Local Skills

state · Department of Training and Workforce Development

Who qualifies
WA residents enrolling in specific certificate or diploma courses.
What you get
Significantly reduced course fees for priority industry qualifications.
What it actually costs you
Standard enrollment fees apply, but capped at a much lower rate than private providers.
Common gotcha
Only applies to specific TAFE-delivered or approved training providers.

WA Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL)

state · Migration Services WA

Who qualifies
Beauty therapists and makeup artists with relevant qualifications seeking state nomination.
What you get
Pathway to permanent residency through state nomination.
What it actually costs you
Application fees for visa processing and skills assessment.
Common gotcha
The occupation list changes frequently based on labor demand.

Managing my daily expenses

WA Household Electricity Credit

state · Synergy

Who qualifies
All residential electricity account holders in WA.
What you get
Direct credit applied to your electricity bill to offset rising costs.
What it actually costs you
Automatic; no application needed if you have a Synergy account.
Common gotcha
It is a one-off or periodic credit, not a permanent discount.

SmartRider Concession

state · Transperth

Who qualifies
Students and eligible health care card holders in WA.
What you get
Discounted fares on all Perth trains, buses, and ferries.
What it actually costs you
Small fee for the physical card; must be linked to your student or concession status.
Common gotcha
You must renew your concession status every year or the card reverts to full fare.