\n <\/a><\/a>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Congratulations on starting work! While not all types of work come with a guarantee of good pay and conditions, getting a job can be a crucial first step towards financial stability. With a new job comes extra money, responsibilities, and considerations about the future. On this page, we\u2019ve compiled some things to know as you start on this new chapter in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many types of paid work that are recognised by Australian law. Each has different pay and conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 📌 If you want to know more about types of work, including your rights and entitlements by law, see our income<\/a> page.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Pay and other workplace conditions are usually set by the Fair Work Commission<\/a> via \u2018awards\u2019<\/a>, which set out the minimum terms (including pay) for employment in each sector of the economy. The Fair Work Commission is the independent government agency that sets the minimum standards for employment and helps with issues in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some workplaces will have an \u2018Enterprise Bargaining Agreement<\/a>\u2019. This is an agreement between employers and employees, who are usually represented by a union, that is approved by the Fair Work Commission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Fair Work Ombudsman<\/a> can help you understand your rights and responsibilities at work. You can read about their guidelines for pay and wages<\/a> to get a better understanding of your rights. And if you feel you\u2019ve been unfairly treated at work, call them on 13 13 94 \u2013 you might want to do some preparation before you call<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re covered by an award, use this calculator<\/a> to find your workplace\u2019s award and check what you should be paid. <\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unions are membership organisations for workers that aim to advocate for improved workplace conditions. Unions also help workers with disputes with employers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Australian Unions<\/a> \u2013 see what you can expect as a union member<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fair Work Ombudsman<\/a> \u2013 learn what the Ombudsman has to say about membership of unions<\/p>\n\n\n\n The role of unions<\/a> – find out what unions do and how employers \u2018bargain\u2019 with unions<\/p>\n\n\n\n 📌 See our income and employment basics<\/a> page.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Superannuation is commonly called \u2018super\u2019. It\u2019s there to help support you financially when you stop work and retire, or when you\u2019re transitioning into retirement. Think of it like a savings account that you won\u2019t access until later in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any payments made into your super are called \u2018contributions\u2019. Employers must pay superannuation on top of the wages you receive. This money is invested in a superannuation fund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The government sets the minimum percentage of wages that employers must pay to your super fund by law, though some employers pay above the minimum rate. You can also make your own contributions up to certain annual limits, and these are made on a purely voluntary basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Employers must offer eligible employees a choice of super fund and a standard super choice form. When you move to a new job, you can move your existing fund across if you want to. So even if an employer recommends a specific fund to you, you can choose a fund that you prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your choice of super fund is up to you, which is empowering in many ways. But it can also be overwhelming. Some general factors to look for in a super fund are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to performance (how much interest you\u2019re earning), past performance isn\u2019t necessarily a reliable indicator of future performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to compare and choose super<\/a> \u2013 Moneysmart resources on choosing a super fund<\/p>\n\n\n\n YourSuper Tool<\/a> \u2013 the ATO tool to help you choose a fund or switch from your existing fund <\/p>\n\n\n\n Super calculator<\/a> \u2013 find out your super balance at retirement<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to keep track of what\u2019s happening with your super over your working life. Even if you only check it once a year, it could make a big difference to your balance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Things to check include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you don’t receive a compulsory super contribution from an employer because you\u2019re either self-employed, a freelancer, or you\u2019re working in \u2018gig economy\u2019, a different set of rules apply to you. Generally speaking, you\u2019re not required to make contributions to a super fund \u2013 though many people still do so voluntarily to provide for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What you need to know: <\/p>\n\n\n\n 📌 To learn about superannuation in greater detail and, if you\u2019re self-employed, visit the Moneysmart website<\/a> for tips on growing your super, and see our understanding superannuation<\/a> page.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone who has a paid job and earns above a certain amount must pay income tax in Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you start a job, you\u2019ll be asked to provide a tax file number, and your workplace will pay income tax on your behalf out of your wages. If you\u2019re self-employed or work in the gig economy, you\u2019ll need to work this out yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through money raised in taxes, governments are able to pay for everything that governments do. This includes infrastructure, services like healthcare and schools, funding for institutions like libraries, public broadcasting, government payments like Jobseeker, and national defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 📌 To learn more about tax, including how to reduce your tax bill or deal with tax debt. see our tax system<\/a> page.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Australian Government provides income support payments through Centrelink. You can use this tool<\/a> to learn about your eligibility for payments or go to Services Australia<\/a> to learn more about the services and support they offer. If you\u2019re continuing to work while receiving Centrelink payments \u2013 read about how this could impact you<\/a>. If you\u2019re receiving Centrelink payments, check the employment income reporting page<\/a> to see if you need to update your income with Centrelink. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many people find dealing with Centrelink difficult. Applying for payments can be confusing. Most payments are set too low and have overly strict requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 📌 See our dealing with Centrelink<\/a> page.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In the workplace, you\u2019re often expected to dress the part, even if you have to buy new clothes. The good news is that help is available if you need to buy new clothes. It\u2019s also worth checking out your local Op Shop where good quality second-hand clothes are much more affordable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/studiokettle.com.au\/wip\/living-costs\/wp-content\/uploads\/plans_goals.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDifferent types of paid work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Fair pay and respectful treatment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The role of the Fair Work Ombudsman<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to check your employer is fairly paying you<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Joining a union<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to superannuation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Understanding super contributions <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How much do you get?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Choosing a super fund<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to look for in a super fund<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Where to find information<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Managing your super<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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If you are not an employee<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tax requirements <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is tax used for?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Centrelink payments<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dealing with Centrelink<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dressing for work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n