Following two decades of continuous growth, low unemployment, contained inflation, very low public debt, and a strong and stable financial system, Australia enters 2015 facing a range of growth constraints, principally driven by a sharp fall in global prices of key export commodities. Although demand for resources and energy from

Australia’s weakening dollar is keeping the country from experiencing the full impact of the commodities glut and slowing growth in its major trading partners. The AUD has depreciated 15% on a trade-weighted-basis over the past year, giving a boost to struggling resource exports, as well as playing an important role in helping to shift the country’s export profile from commodities to the service sector.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Australia expanded 0.20 percent in the second quarter of 2015 over the previous quarter. GDP Growth Rate in Australia averaged 0.87 percent from 1959 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 4.40 percent in the first quarter of 1976

The Australia Benchmark Report provides rich data demonstrating why there is no better place than Australia to do business. The report examines five key reasons for investing in Australia – Growth, Innovation, Talent, Location and Business – and compares Australia’s credentials with other countries.

This page summarizes Doing Business 2015 data for Australia. The first section presents the Ease of Doing Business rank (out of 189 economies) and the distance to frontier (DTF)** measure, overall and by topic. The second section summarizes the key indicators for each topic benchmarked against regional averages.

Setting up a business in Australia. There are a number of important considerations for investors when deciding on how to enter the Australian market or when establishing a business in Australia.Investors will generally need to choose between establishing a new company, registering as a foreign company or acquiring an existing company.

The four main business structures commonly used by small businesses in Australia are: Sole trader: an individual trading on their own. Partnership: an association of people or entities running a business together, but not as a company. Trust: an entity that holds property or income for the benefit of others. Company: a legal entity separate from its shareholders.

A business name, also known as a trading name, is simply a name or title under which a person, or other legal entity, trades. Your business name not only identifies you to your customers, but also allows you to differentiate yourself from your competitors and enables your customers to make an emotional connection to your business and brand. For many businesses, the name is often the most valuable asset. If you register a business name, it will be connected to your Australian Business Number (ABN).

Registering a business name Here you will find all the information you need to know about registering a business name in Australia. This includes guidance on how to get an Australian Business Number (ABN) or apply for a trademark and an outline of our registration fees

Australian Tax Office website for Business taxes.

The Corporate Tax Rate in Australia stands at 30 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in Australia averaged 35.97 percent from 1981 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 49 percent in 1986 and a record low of 30 percent in 2002. Corporate Tax Rate in Australia is reported by the Australian Taxation Office.

Personal Tax Rates from the Australian Taxation Office.

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Australia stands at 45 percent. Personal Income Tax Rate in Australia averaged 45.67 percent from 2003 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 47 percent in 2004 and a record low of 45 percent in 2007. Personal Income Tax Rate in Australia is reported by the Australian Taxation Office.

Goods and services tax (GST) is a broad-based tax of 10% on most goods, services and other items sold or consumed in Australia.

This visa lets you visit Australia: to visit or for business visitor purposes for up to three, six or 12 months.

Australia’s advanced and extensive telecommunications infrastructure spans the country and extends across the Tasman and into Asia. This report covers international developments in undersea cable and satellite based infrastructure, including backbones across the Tasman Sea and to Asia and the USA

Telecommunications in Australia

Safe, efficient and sustainable domestic and international transport systems are vital to Australia’s continuing prosperity. The Australian Government, through the Department, contributes to the prosperity of the economy and the wellbeing of all Australians by supporting and enhancing our transport systems.

Find information for vehicle owners and links to state and territory public transport information.

Rights & obligations: We provide fact sheets that cover a range of workplace rights and obligations. Current fact sheets include:…..

Labor rules in Australia are complicated as there are many laws to protect the worker. Also, each state and municipality in Australia can legislate their own points related to the labour law.

The Australian Government provides a range of government benefits, payments, pensions and support services, through the Department of Human Services- external site (Medicare, Centrelink and Child Support) and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs- external site.

Australian Government | Business – business.gov.au … There are a number of legal obligations that you need to consider when hiring people. … Before you hire staff, you’ll also need to be aware of your responsibilities as an employer.

Schedule of national, state and religious holidays

Cost of living information includes price indices for rent, food, utilities, transportation, restaurants, clothing and more

Australia performs very well in many measures of well-being relative to most other countries in the Better Life Index. Australia ranks at the top in civic engagement and above the average in environmental quality, health status, housing, personal security, jobs and earnings, education and skills, subjective well-being, social connections, but below average in work-life balance.

Being punctual is critical. Maintain good eye contact during meetings and conversations.

Australians have quite a casual culture, but don’t be fooled and think this is how they always are. In business they can be quite different.

US Department of State – Go to Safety and Security for updates from the Australian government

Australia is the best place in the world to live and work, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Due to the huge size of the continent, Australia has several different climate zones. The northern section of Australia has a more tropical influenced climate, hot and humid in the summer, and quite warm and dry in the winter, while the southern parts are cooler with mild summers and cool, sometimes rainy winters.

Each Australian State and Territory oversees its own education system, and there are small variations between the education systems of each State and Territory. There are two main education sectors within each State – Government schools and Non-Government schools. Non-Government schools are classified as either Catholic schools or Independent schools. Most Independent schools have a religious affiliation, but some are non-denominational. All Government schools are non-denominational.

This document provides a brief overview of the Australian education system and the quality assurance arrangements within each sector. Detailed information is also available in the Australian Country Education Profile which can be downloaded from the Australian Education International website.

Demographic information includes population, quality of life, health, sports, technology, energy and the environment

Australian Bureau of Statistics. Demographic report for Australia.

Australia has commitments under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on tariffs and tariff quotas, export subsidies and domestic support for agricultural products.

Businesses considering importing should be aware of government regulations, duty taxes, permits, and quarantine and treatments that apply to imported goods. Imports that do not meet these requirements can be seized by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

House and apartment information in states and territories

Australian house and apartment rental website

Australia Visitors website