The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.P.20 Paid work

Definition

A person performs paid work, including work as a self-employed person or work as the result of engagement, for example, as a defence force member or law enforcement officer, on a day if, on that day, the person performs work (whether as an employee, a contractor or otherwise and whether or not in Australia) for another entity for remuneration or other financial benefit.

Other financial benefit includes non-financial remuneration. As a result, for example, work performed on a family farm for remuneration in the form of housing and food etc. would be included.

Paid work would include jury service.

A person who is regarded as self-employed, performs paid work on a day if the person performs work for the purpose of a business that is carried on (whether in or outside of Australia) by the person (whether alone or with others) or an entity that is controlled by the person (whether alone or with others). The business must be carried on for profit, that is, not entirely for a charitable purpose.

A person 'controls' an entity if the person has the capacity to determine the outcome of decisions about the entity's financial and operating policies.

The PPL Rules prescribe what is taken not to be paid work.

Act reference: PPLAct section 35 When a person performs paid work

PPL Rules Part 2 Division 3 Matters relating to the work test

Policy reference: PPL Guide 2.2 PPL scheme work test for PLP

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