Casual/part-time work - what's the difference?
Casual employees have irregular hours, part-time staff will often have set hours and work patterns that apply each week. For most students, casual work is the preferred choice as it offers greater flexability.
Casual employment refers to a system of hiring employees on a work-as-needed basis and are given no advance commitment from an employer on the number of hours and work patterns they will receive, and their services can be terminated without notice.
Part-time employees work less than 38 hours per week and are normally hired on a permanent basis. Sometimes part-time workers are employed on a fixed-term contract. Part-time employees agree to a set number of hours when signing their employment agreement, meaning employers can only reduce or increase these hours by mutual agreement.
Employee's pay, waged or salary?
While both describe an employee's pay, the way employers calculate and schedule that payment is different. Salary employees usually earn a specific amount over an entire year, and have access to paid leave such as sick leave and annual leave. Wage employees earn by the hour or for a piece of work, and leave is not included.
Pay and Conditions
All people working in Australia (including international students) have basic rights and protections in the workplace, including minimum pay and conditions. Information relating to your pay and conditions can be found at https://www.fairwork.gov.au/
If you are an international students who needs further advice go to Fair Work International Students
For all women in the work force (including international students) you can also contact Working Women's Centre SA
Depending on which industry you work in, the appropriate union can also assist you if you have a work/pay related issue. https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/the-role-of-unions/union-membership
Australian Taxation Information
Working as an employee, find out about specific rights and obligations you have regarding tax as an employee and general information about starting a job. HERE
Tax File Number
Before you start working you do need to obtain a tax file number (TFN), it is your personal reference number in the tax and superannuation systems, and everyone (including those on student visas) require one in Australia.
It is free to apply for a TFN.
Your TFN is:
- a unique number (usually 9 digits)
- an important part of your identity
- yours for life – you keep your TFN even if you change jobs or name, move interstate or go overseas.
Tax Declaration
When you start a new position you will be required to fill in a Tax File Number Declaration as this will help your employer work out how much tax they need to withhold from their payments to you.
Tax Rates
In Australia we have a range of Tax Rates. For the latest information on these levels go to the ATO HERE
Tax-Free Threshold
Here in Australia there is a tax threshold of $18, 200 for people who are an Australian Resident for tax purposes Students on a international study visa, and studying for 6mths or more, are deemed as Australian Resident for tax purposes. This means you only pay tax when you have earned over $18,200. You can choose to claim or not claim the tax-free threshold on the tax file number (TFN) declaration you give to your payer.
If you work multiple jobs you can only claim this Tax-Free threshold once.
Tax Return
Your Tax Return is a form you can complete online or by paper, get help from a tax agent or our Tax Help program.
In Australia the Financial Year is from the 1st July - 30 June. For those receiving a salary or wage, you lodge your Tax Return after the 30 June. Each year Student Care has a person to assist students in lodging their tax return free of change.
Sole Trader/Independent Contractor
What is the difference and how does it apply to you? There is a lot information about this on the internet such Indeed
Sole Trader - Important information to know before you start.
Regarding tax structure, ATO Business ATO Independent Contractor
Superannuation
Australia's superannuation system is the main way most people save for their retirement.
Superannuation (super for short) is a long-term investment that grows over time. The more you contribute during your working life, the more you'll have for your retirement.
Who is eligiable - Generally, if you’re over 18 years, you’re entitled to receive super, regardless of whether you’re full-time, part-time or casual, or if you’re a temporary resident of Australia. For those under 18, only if you work full-time 30hrs plus are you eligiable.
For eligiable employees, super begins when you start work and your employer starts paying a percentage of your salary or wages into your super fund. Your employer pays your super on top of your wages.
It is compulsory for employees to pay eligible employees super guarantee (SG) at least 4 times a year. The minimum SG rate you must pay for each eligible employee from 1 July 2024 is 11.5% of their ordinary time earnings (OTE). In July 2025 the rate will increase to 12%.
Job Search
Need help looking for casual work? Want help with your resume, cover letter? Not sure the best way to look for a casual job? Need help with your interview prep?
YouX Student Employment is here to help. It is a FREE service and open to all students enrolled at the University of Adelaide. Organize a personal meeting with the YouX Student Employment Coordinator by emailing youxemployment@adelaide.edu.au or go HERE for further information
What are the terms and conditions for student use of vacancy listings on the YouX Jobs Board ?
Student Employment does not screen employers who advertise on the Jobs Board. Students are responsible for taking care of their own personal safety when attending a job or an interview. If attending a private household, take reasonable precautions such as letting someone know where you are going and when you will be back.
While job ads are monitored by Student Employment, we cannot be responsible for the employment terms offered to students. It is important for students to ensure that their pay and conditions meet federal minimum standards, to do this go to https://www.fairwork.gov.au/