Federal Government - business.gov.au

Finding the right information quickly and easily when starting your business can help your venture become a success. The Australian Government has developed a checklist covering many of the basic issues you need to know when you're new to business.

The checklist focuses on Federal Government information and the contact details of relevant state and local agencies. Detailed checklists are also included and cover 'Before you start a business', 'When you start a business', 'When you buy a business' and 'Running your business'.

 Federal Government Business web sites and resources:

• Federal Government Business Portal -business.gov.au 

business.gov.au  offers you simple and convenient access to all the government information, transactions and services you need. It is a whole-of-government service providing essential information on planning, starting and running your business.

• Australian Taxation Office (ATO) - ato.gov.au 

The ATO has all the information required for businesses regarding tax and financial information.  The site provides key information about Australian Business Number (ABN), Goods and Services Tax (GST), Pay As You Go (PAYG), Superannuation and lots more.

• Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) -accc.gov.au 

The ACCC promotes competition and fair trade in the market place to benefit consumers, business and the community.  The ACCC has a network of offices in all capital cities to handle public complaints and inquiries. Staff can give guidance to business and consumers on their rights and obligations under the law, but not legal advice.

• AusIndustry -ausindustry.gov.au 

AusIndustry is the Australian Government's agency for delivering products , sevices and information that support industry, research and innovation.  Some of the products include research and development, tax and duty concessions, gaining access to science resources, LPG vehicle scheme and lots more.

• Australian Customs Service - customs.gov.au

Customs  manages the security and integrity of Australia's borders. It works closely with other government and international agencies, in particular the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs and the Department of Defence, to detect and deter unlawful movement of goods and people across the border.

• Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) -asic.gov.au 

ASIC enforces and regulates company and financial services laws to protect consumers, investors and creditors.

• The Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner -privacy.gov.au 

The Privacy Act allows organisations and industries to have and to enforce their own privacy codes that continue to uphold the privacy rights of individuals while allowing some flexibility of application for organisations.

• Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) -abs.gov.au

The ABS assists and encourages informed decision-making, research and discussion with governments and the community, by leading a high quality, objective and responsive national statistical analysis.

• Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO) -agimo.gov.au 

The AGIMO works to make Australia a leader in the productive application of information and communication technologies (ICT) to government administration information and services.