Working with PBSG: Contractor Models Explained
We understand that many practitioners haven’t had much experience with the contracting model, so we’ve put together this guide to give you a clear, honest, and practical overview of how each model works, what supports you’ll receive, and what you can expect in terms of earnings, supervision, and caseloads.
Our aim is to to empower you with the information you need to decide if this pathway feels right for you before moving forward to explore the opportunity of working with us and organising an interview.
We offer two subcontracting models, meaning you can choose the pathway that best fits your lifestyle, preferences, and financial goals:
ABN Model – $123.20/hour
(including superannuation)
$110/hour paid directly to you
$13.20/hour (12%) contributed to your superannuation fund
Total: $123.20/hour
Travel is paid at half rate: $55/hour
ACN Model – $124/hour
$124/hour paid directly to you
You are responsible for managing your own superannuation (you can choose whether to contribute to super or not)
Travel is paid at half rate: $62/hour
Note: Registering an ACN through ASIC currently costs around $576 upfront, with an ongoing annual fee of $310. Registering an ABN is free.
Supervision (applies to both models)
Internal Supervision
At PBSG, we’re proud to offer internal supervision with our warm, skilled, and highly experienced supervisors. You can choose fortnightly or monthly sessions, depending on your preference. This support is provided at no cost to you, though you are not able to bill this time to participants.
Practitioners not requiring supervisor signoff on Behaviour Support Plans (proficient and above) are free to decide whether they’d like a Behaviour Support Plan review from their internal supervisor, or to proceed independently if they feel confident.
External Supervision
We know that supervision is most valuable when it feels like the right fit. While we absolutely love our internal supervisors, we also respect that you may prefer to work with an external supervisor, especially if you already have someone you trust.
Most external supervisors charge $150–$230/hour. We’re happy to recommend providers if you’d like. The great news is that when discussing specific participants, you are able to bill that time to their plan. Time spent on general PBS topics, however, cannot be billed. For example:
Example supervision session
John Smith – 12 minutes (billable)
Jane Brown – 15 minutes (billable)
Andrew Love – 18 minutes (billable)
General PBS discussion (e.g., practitioner evidence portfolio) – 15 minutes (not billable)
In this example, you would bill 45 minutes split between the three participants for participant-related discussion, and you would cover your supervisor’s fee yourself.
This way, whether you choose the ABN or ACN model, and whichever supervision path feels right for you, PBSG ensures you’re well supported both professionally and personally.
Some FAQs
Why do we use a sub-contracting model? What are the benefits?
At PBSG, we keep things simple. Our philosophy is that if you bring on the right people - ethical, professional, and competent practitioners - they don’t need to be micromanaged. They just need the right support. Instead of constant KPI checks or endless emails, we trust our practitioners to do their work well and to shape their own routines. This means:
No KPI policing – focus on the quality of your practice, not chasing numbers
Freedom in your hours and days – you decide when and how you work
Be your own boss – enjoy the independence of self-direction with the safety net of a supportive team
Work without anxiety – no last minute “urgent” meetings called by management, no hidden agendas, no unnecessary stress
Professional respect – you’re treated as a trusted practitioner, not a cog in a machine
Support, not surveillance – access to high-quality internal supervision and guidance, without micromanagement
Choice in supervision – stay with someone you already connect with, or benefit from PBSG’s carefully selected internal supervisors
Balance and wellbeing – create a lifestyle that works for you rather than working your life around your job
What are the financial differences?
To be as transparent as possible, we have put together the chart below to clearly show the differences between being an employee and subcontracting with PBSG. Our goal is to give you all the facts so you can make an informed decision about what works best for your lifestyle, values, and financial goals.
Financial Comparison: Employee vs PBSG Subcontractor
Note: the table is easier to compare when viewing on a computer rather than a phone.
| Category | Employee | PBSG ACN Model | PBSG ABN Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Hourly Rate | $48/hr | $124/hr | $110/hr + $13.20/hr super = $123.20/hr |
| Superannuation | Employer contributes 12% ($5.76/hr) | You choose if/what to contribute | 12% ($13.20/hr) contributed |
| Tax | PAYG withheld by employer | You manage tax (deductions possible) | You manage tax (deductions possible) |
| Leave (annual/sick) |
Paid (≈20 days annual + 10 sick days) | No paid leave (rate compensates) | No paid leave (rate compensates) |
| Non-Billable Time | ~25% still paid (meetings, admin) | Only paid for billable + travel hours | Only paid for billable + travel hours |
| Travel Adjustment (approx. 15% of weekly hours at half rate) |
N/A (all hours same rate) | Avg effective: $110.83/hr | Avg effective: $110.30/hr |
|
Hourly Equivalent (accounting for approx. 25% non-billable hours allowed as employee) |
$48 × 1.25 = $60/hr |
$110.83/hr | $110.30/hr |
|
Weekly Earning (based on 38 hours) |
$60 × 38 = $2,280/week |
$110.83 × 38 = $4,211.54/week |
$110.30 × 38 = $4,191.40/week |
|
Yearly Earning (52 weeks) |
$2,280 × 52 = $118,560 |
$4,211.54 × 52 = $218,200.08 |
$4,191.40 × 52 = $217,552.80 |
|
Yearly Earning (with leave factored) |
$118,560 (includes 6 weeks paid leave) |
$4,211.54 × 46 = $193,331 (if you subtract 6 weeks for leave) |
$4,191.40 × 46 = $192,804 (if you subtract 6 weeks for leave) |
How long does it take to build up a caseload?
From the moment you join PBSG, we’re committed to helping you build a caseload that feels right for you. We make every effort to provide referrals as soon as possible, but we’re also intentional about ensuring that the participants you support are people you feel aligned with. Our goal is for you to feel comfortable, safe, and genuinely energised by the work you do, not just busy for the sake of it.
Referrals don’t always arrive in a neat, predictable stream. This is simply the reality of the work and we want to be upfront about it. Honesty matters to us. Sometimes you may receive several referrals at once, and other times things may move a little slower. Any organisation that promises a perfectly steady flow every week may not be telling you the whole story. At PBSG, we’d rather be transparent so you can make truly informed choices about your career.
It’s also worth noting that behaviour support is often a “front-heavy” service. New participants who don’t have an active behaviour support plan may involve 20+ hours upfront across assessment, plan writing, training, and initial intervention, before naturally transitioning into steadier fortnightly or monthly supports. Because of this, we aim to pace referrals so that you’re not suddenly overwhelmed with a wave of new participants all requiring high-intensity input at the same time.
On average, it may take around 4–12 weeks to build a full caseload. We’re upfront that this period can feel like the hardest part of the transition. It’s natural to feel uncertain as you step away from the model of traditional employment. But once you make the leap and begin to experience the financial freedom of higher pay, the flexibility of being your own boss, and the relief of no more KPIs or micromanagement, the feedback we hear time and time again is the same: “I’d never go back.”
Most importantly, we want to make sure you reach your desired caseload capacity in a way that feels right for you. If a participant isn’t a good match, we will support you in handover to a better matched participant. We want participants and practitioners to both feel comfortable and enjoy their work together. And if you’d like more participants, you can ask at any time. We’re here to support you in shaping a caseload that feels sustainable, fulfilling, and aligned with your goals.
What about GST? Will I need to register for that?
Under Australian law, you’ll need to register for GST (Goods and Services Tax) if your business turnover is more than $75,000 per year. This threshold applies whether you’re operating under an ABN or an ACN.
At PBSG, we want to make sure GST is never a financial burden. Once you are registered, we pay you an additional 10% on top of your hourly rate to cover the GST cost. You then remit this directly to the ATO in your Business Activity Statement (BAS).
Are there other costs or overheads as a contractor?
Yes, there are a few overheads you’ll need to factor in as a contractor. The good news is that these costs are very low compared to your increased earnings, and most are tax-deductible.
Additional expenses include:
Professional indemnity and public liability insurance – around $300 per year (tax deductible). This is essential for protecting yourself as a practitioner.
Accounting fees – if you choose to use an accountant (which we highly recommend), there will be a cost. A good accountant will more than pay for themselves by maximising deductions, helping you plan tax effectively, and taking away the stress of compliance.
In practice, most contractors find that these overheads are minimal compared to the significant jump in hourly rate, and with the right accountant, much of it can be claimed back at tax time.
When/how do I get paid?
We process participant invoicing weekly and pay you monthly.
Transitioning into subcontracting can feel like a leap, but it’s one that so many practitioners tell us has transformed their careers and lives. Higher pay, more freedom, and the ability to shape your own caseload all add up to a working life where you feel valued, respected, and in control.
At PBSG, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way – from your very first referral, to building a caseload that excites you, to ongoing professional supervision and support. We want you to thrive not just as a practitioner, but as a person.
If you’re ready to explore the model that suits you best, we’d love to talk.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal, financial, or tax advice. Individual circumstances vary, and laws and regulations may change. If you are unsure about your obligations or what is best for your situation, we strongly recommend seeking independent advice from a qualified lawyer, accountant, or financial advisor.