Workforce Australia supports creative and freelance workers

Mutual Obligations: Working in the creative industry

This story was first published on Tuesday 9 May 2023. If you wish to use this content, please contact media@dewr.gov.au to confirm that the information is still current.

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 searches and participating in Workforce Australia programs.

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.

If you are a business owner or looking to start a business, a fact sheet outlining support to help individuals start and run a small business is available.

Workforce Australia provides free support through Self-Employment Assistance providers to small businesses, 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. Support could include 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 the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Art’s cultural policy, Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place.

Factsheets

More information about Workforce Australia

Correct at time of publication.