ABN model
$140/hour total
- $125/hour paid directly
- $15/hour (12%) contributed to superannuation
- Travel paid at $62.50/hour, plus $7.50/hour super
Working with PBSG
Contractor models, explained clearly.
A practical guide to the ABN and ACN pathways, supervision arrangements, caseload-building and financial examples for prospective practitioners.
Many practitioners have not worked under a subcontracting model before. This guide makes the structure, supports and trade-offs easier to understand before an interview. It does not replace legal, tax or financial advice for your circumstances.
Two models
Compare the structures before deciding what fits.
The headline rate is only one part of the comparison. Consider business costs, superannuation, leave, insurance, administration and your own circumstances.
ACN model
$140/hour paid directly
- You manage your own superannuation
- Travel paid at $70/hour
- Company registration and annual ASIC fees apply
Supervision
Choose an external supervisor who fits your practice.
PBSG’s model uses external supervision so practitioners can choose someone aligned with their clinical style, values and interests. The guide estimates external supervision at $150 to $200 an hour.
For up to one hour per fortnight of participant-billable supervision, the guide lists PBSG pay rates of $200/hour for ACN and $178/hour plus $21.42/hour super for ABN. Beyond that contribution, participant-related supervision can still be billed at the base rate where NDIS rules allow.
What may be participant-billable?
- Participant-specific discussion may be billable when it meets NDIS requirements.
- General professional development or portfolio discussion is not participant-billable.
- A sample 60-minute supervision session with 45 minutes of participant discussion would split that 45 minutes between the relevant participants.
Financial comparison
Illustrative employee and contractor examples.
These figures use the working patterns described in the PBSG guide. They are not a forecast of income or a substitute for advice.
| Category | Employee example | PBSG ACN example | PBSG ABN example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base hourly rate | $48/hour | $140/hour | $125/hour + $15/hour super |
| Superannuation | Employer contributes 12% ($5.76/hour) | You choose whether and how much to contribute | 12% ($15/hour) contributed |
| Tax | PAYG withheld | You manage tax; deductions may apply | You manage tax; deductions may apply |
| Leave | Paid annual and sick leave | No paid leave; rate compensates | No paid leave; rate compensates |
| Travel adjustment (approx. 15% of weekly hours at half rate) | Not applicable — all hours at the same rate | Average effective rate: $129.50/hour | Average effective rate: $129.50/hour |
| Non-billable time | Approximately 25% still paid | Only billable and travel hours paid | Only billable and travel hours paid |
| Hourly equivalent in current example | $60/hour | $129.50/hour | $129.50/hour |
| Weekly example (38 hours) | $2,280 | $4,921 | $4,921 |
| Yearly example (52 weeks) | $118,560 | $255,892 | $255,892 |
| Yearly example with six weeks leave | $118,560 including paid leave | $226,366 | $226,366 |
If registered for GST we pay an extra 10% to offset this cost to our practitioners — $154 for ACN and $137.50 for ABN + super.
Building a caseload
Referral flow is real, but it is not perfectly even.
PBSG begins matching referrals as early as possible while considering participant fit. Behaviour support is often front-loaded: a new participant may involve 20 or more hours across assessment, plan development, training and early implementation before moving into ongoing support.
The guide estimates roughly 12 to 24 weeks to establish a full caseload. Some practitioners transition gradually or keep other work while referrals build.
Fit matters
If a participant is not the right match, PBSG’s stated process is to support a handover. Availability and preferences should stay part of regular caseload conversations so practitioners are not intentionally over- or under-loaded.
Historical referral pattern by accepted travel radius
| Travel radius | Typical new-participant availability |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes | A new participant approximately every 2–3 weeks |
| 45 minutes | A new participant approximately every 1–2 weeks |
| 60 minutes | Potentially weekly |
Other questions
GST, contractor costs and payment.
What about GST?
GST registration is generally required when business turnover exceeds the applicable threshold. PBSG pays an additional 10% on top of the relevant hourly rate for registered contractors. Ask an accountant how the rules apply to your circumstances.
Are there other contractor costs?
Typical costs may include professional indemnity and public liability insurance, accounting, company registration and annual fees, equipment and professional development. Many costs may be deductible, but individual advice is essential.
When and how are practitioners paid?
The current PBSG process is fortnightly. PBSG generates an invoice for review and confirmation, then pays billed work from the previous fortnight.
General information disclaimer
The information in this guide is for general educational purposes only. It is not legal, accounting, financial or tax advice. Individual circumstances vary, rates and laws change, and the examples may not reflect your actual billable hours, costs, leave or tax. Seek independent advice from a qualified lawyer, accountant or financial adviser before deciding which structure is suitable.