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.140 Permissible purpose

Definition

For the purposes of PLP, paid work for a permissible purpose will not constitute a return to work by a person if:

  • the person performs paid work for an entity as an employee, defence force member or law enforcement officer on a keeping in touch day (1.1.K.10) with the entity on a day that would otherwise be a day of leave in a period of leave granted by that entity, and the person has not already performed paid work on 10 keeping in touch days (whether with the entity or another entity)
  • the person is self-employed and the work consists of overseeing the business or is an occasional administrative task. This reflects the reality that a small business person may still need to oversee their business and perform the occasional administrative tasks before the end of their PPL period. This category includes people who perform work for the purposes of a business that is carried on by the person, whether alone or with others, or an entity that is controlled by the person (whether alone or with others). A person who is employed by, or is a managing director of a company which they control, and through which they operate their business, would fall within this definition. This would include a person who runs a farm which is owned by a trust or other entity, as long as the person controls that trust or entity (either on their own or with others).

Act reference: PPLAct section 6 The Dictionary, section 49 When paid work is for a permissible purpose

Policy reference: PPL Guide 2.2.13 Return to work & when paid work is for a permissible purpose for PLP

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