There is help available for Australian freelance and part-time workers in the arts, creative and entertainment industries to understand their mutual obligation requirements.

Part-time workers or freelancers in the creative sector who receive Australian Government income support payments may be required to meet mutual obligations through job search and other activities.

A fact sheet has been developed with practical guidance to help artists and creative workers meet these requirements. This includes irregular and freelance work such as:

  • photography or design
  • writing
  • visual art
  • tutoring or instructing.

Workforce Australia also provides free support through Self-Employment Assistance providers to small businesses, and irregular and freelancer workers, to set up and maintain a business.

Creatives with a business idea or an existing business may be eligible to access support from the Workforce Australia Self-Employment Assistance program.

There is also a fact sheet outlining further support available to help talented Australian creatives to start and run a small business.

The support includes help with business planning while remaining independent with flexible work and creative conditions.

This approach aligns with the importance of the centrality of the artist, which is a key pillar of Australia’s cultural policy, Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place.

Read more about support provided by Workforce Australia: