Private ruling: Status of the Worker
Date of advice: 21 July 2016
Published: September 2016

Ruling: Q2: Is the Worker an employee of the Principal by virtue of subsection 12(3) of the SGAA? Advice No. Please refer to 'why we have made this decision'.


Relevant legislative provisions: Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 Subsection 12(1) | Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 Subsection 12(3)

Reasons for decision: Summary: 1. The facts and evidence suggest that the Worker is not an employee for the purposes of the SGAA under either the common law definition or the expanded definition as set out in subsection 12(3) of the SGAA. Therefore the Principal does not have an obligation to pay SG contributions on behalf of the Worker. | Detailed Reasoning - Detailed reasoning: 2. The SGAA states that an employer must provide the required minimum level of superannuation support for its employees (unless the employees are exempt employees) or pay the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC). 3. While the term 'employee' which is defined in section 12 of the SGAA, includes common law employees, it also extends to include workers who are engaged under a contract wholly or principally for their labour. This employment relationship is often referred to as a 'contract of service'. This relationship is distinguished in Superannuation Guarantee Ruling SGR 2005/1 Superannuation guarantee: who is an employee? (SGR 2005/1) from a 'contract for service' which is typically a contractor and principal type of relationship and does not attract an SGC liability. 4. Therefore, it is necessary to consider not only whether there is a common law relationship of employer/employee between the parties, but also, if the common law test is not met or is inconclusive, whether the expanded definition of 'employee' in subsection 12(3) of the SGAA applies. If a worker is not an employee under subsections 12(1) or 12(3) of the SGAA, their status is described as an independent contractor and there is no SG obligation. 5. The task of defining the characteristics of the contract of service - the employment relationship - has been the subject of much judicial consideration. As a result, some general tests have been developed by the courts to assist in the determination of the nature of the relationship. However, defining the contractual relationship between the employer and employee can be difficult and will depend on the facts of each case. 6. Accordingly it is necessary to determine the true nature of the whole relationship between the principal and the workers, as to whether there was a common law employer and employee relationship, or whether the workers meet the expanded definition of employee under subsection 12(3) of the SGAA. | Detailed Reasoning - Question 1: Is the Worker a common law employee of the Principal as defined by subsection 12(1) of the SGAA for the period? | Detailed Reasoning - Common law employee: 7. The relationship between an employer and employee is a contractual one. It is often referred to as a contract of service. Such a relationship is typically contrasted with the independent contractor relationship that is referred to as a contract for services. An independent contractor typically contracts to produce the contracted result in return for an agreed payment, whereas an employee contracts to provide their labour (typically to enable the employer to achieve a result). 8. The Courts have considered the common law contractual relationship between parties in a variety of legislative contexts. As a result, a substantial and well-established body of case law has developed on the issue. Consideration should be given to the various indicators identified in judicial decisions. No list of factors is to be regarded as exhaustive and the weight to be given to particular facts will vary according to the circumstances. The totality of the relationship between the parties must be considered to determine whether, on balance, the worker is an employee or independent contractor. 9. In deciding whether an individual is a common law employee, there are a number of common law factors to consider. The common law factors we have considered are discussed below. | Detailed Reasoning - 1. Terms of engagement: 10. The fundamental task with respect to the terms of engagement test is to determine the nature of the contract between the parties. We will consider whether the contract is written or verbal and whether the terms and conditions are express or implied. These factors are important in characterising the relationship between the parties. 11. It might be argued that the parties' intention in forming a contract is not subjective, but an objective one; that is, the task is not to discover the intention of the parties involved but to decide what each could reasonably conclude from the actions of the other. In the observation made by Isaacs J in Curtis v. The Perth and Fremantle Bottle Exchange Co Ltd (1914) 18 CLR 17: Where parties enter into a bargain with one another whereby certain rights and obligations are created, they cannot by a mere consensual label alter the inherent character of the relations they have actually called into existence. Many cases have arisen where Courts have disregarded such labels, because in law they were wrong, and have looked beneath them to the real substance. 12. Therefore, simply defining someone as a contractor does not necessarily lead to the conclusion that the individual is providing services as part of an operation of their own independent business. In Hollis v. Vabu Pty Ltd (2001) 207 CLR 21 ( Hollis v. Vabu Pty Ltd ) it was noted that although no payments of annual leave or sick leave were given, and no superannuation deductions were made by Vabu in respect of the bicycle couriers, the relationship between the parties was found not merely from these contractual terms. The system which was operated under and the work practices imposed by Vabu went to establishing 'the totality of the relationship' between the parties and it is this which is to be considered. | Detailed Reasoning - Application of the common law to your case: 13. The Principal is a firm that has engaged the Worker as a 'sole trader' or 'contractor' to perform services for their clients. The Worker is engaged by the Principal under the Agreement, which makes reference to a Services Agreement outlining the scope of work to be performed for the client. 14. Paragraph 28 of SGR 2005/1 provides that: Contractual arrangements often contain a clause that purports to characterise the relationship between the parties as that of principal and independent contractor and not that of employer and employee. Such a clause cannot receive effect according to its terms if it contradicts the effect of the agreement as a whole - that is, the parties cannot deem the relationship between themselves to be something that is not. 15. However, in Australian Mutual Provident Society v. Chaplin and Anor (1978) 18 ALR 385 at 389-390 it was noted that 'such a clause may be used to overcome any ambiguity as to the true nature of the relationship'. 16. Based on the relevant information provided, there is nothing to suggest that the characterisation of the relationship between the parties as Principal and independent contractor is inconsistent with the true substance of the relationship. 17. Paragraph 31 of SGR 2005/1 provides that 'the circumstances surrounding the formation of the contract may assist in determining the true character of the contract'. 18. The fact that the Worker is required to register or be registered for an ABN and for GST purposes at the time of commencing services is not indicative of whether the Worker is an employee or independent contractor. Paragraph 16 of SGR 2005/1 provides that 'a person who holds an ABN may still be an employee for the purposes of the SGAA'. 19. Overall, we are satisfied that the terms of engagement test in isolation is more in favour of the notion that the relationship between the Principal and Worker is one of principal and independent contractor. 20. However, to determine the true nature of the relationship, it is necessary to consider other common law tests. | Detailed Reasoning - 2. Control: 21. The extent to which the employer has the right to control the manner in which the work is performed is the classic test for determining the nature of a working relationship. A common law employee is told not only what work is to be done, but how and where it is to be done. With the increasing usage of skilled labour and consequential reduction in supervisory functions, the importance of control lies not so much in its actual exercise, although clearly that is relevant, as in the right of the employer to exercise it. 22. Paragraph 35 of SGR 2005/1 states: 35. The mere fact that a contract may specify in detail how the contracted services are to be performed does not necessarily imply an employment relationship. In fact, a high degree of direction and control is not uncommon in contracts for services. The payer has a right to specify how the contracted services are to be performed, but such control must be expressed in the terms of the contract; otherwise the contractor is free to exercise their discretion (subject to any terms implied by law). This is because the contractor is working for themselves. 23. Paragraphs 36 and 37 of SGR 2005/1 provide that while control is important, it is not the sole indicator of whether or not a relationship is one of employment. The approach of the Courts has been to regard it as one of a number of indicia which must be considered in determination of that question. 24. Even though the modern approach to defining the contractual relationship is to have regard to the totality of the relationship between the parties, control is still an important factor to be considered. This was recognised by Wilson and Dawson JJ in Stevens v. Brodribb (1986) 160 CLR 16 at 36 ( Stevens v. Brodribb) , where they state: In many, if not most cases, it is still appropriate to apply the control test in the first instance because it remains the surest guide to whether a person is contracting independently or serving as an employee. | Detailed Reasoning - Application of the common law to your case: 25. Based on the information provided, the Worker has significant discretion to provide services in the way the Worker considers to be most appropriate and efficient. The Services Agreement between the client and the Principal is not prescriptive in terms of the services to be provided and scope of the work. 26. In accordance with paragraph 35 of SGR 2005/1, the mere fact that the Principal may from time to time direct the Worker to perform the services on certain days and during certain hours does not necessarily imply an employment relationship. In fact, a high degree of direction and control is not uncommon in contracts for services. 27. The requirement for the Worker not to do anything to prejudice the Principal or the client's good name or reputation, to report to and regularly consult with the manager of the Principal during the Agreement and to comply with the Principal's policies and procedures, are evidence of control which may indicate an employer and employee relationship. 28. The fact that the Agreement may be terminated by the Principal immediately on providing written notice to the Worker, in the aforementioned circumstances, is also evidence of control which may be indicative of an employer and employee relationship. 29. However, on the balance of the information provided, it appears that the Worker is generally free to exercise their discretion subject to any terms implied by law, as per paragraph 35 of SGR 2005/1. 30. Overall, we are satisfied that the control test in isolation is more in favour of the notion that the relationship between the Principal and Worker is one of principal and independent contractor. 31. However, to determine the true nature of the relationship, it is necessary to consider other common law tests. | Detailed Reasoning - 3. Integration: 32. Another significant factor in establishing the nature of a contractual relationship at common law is to determine whether the worker's services are an integral part of the employer's business (under a contract of service as an employee) or providing services as an individual carrying on his or her own business (under a contract for services as an independent contractor). This is known as the 'integration' test. 33. If the worker's services are an integral and essential part of the employer's business that engages them, they are considered by the courts to be a common law employee. If the worker is providing services as an individual carrying on their own business, they are an independent contractor. 34. It is necessary to keep in mind the distinction between a worker operating their own business and a worker operating in the business of the payer. The worker needs to be running their own business or enterprise and have independence in the conduct of their operations. 35. In Montreal v. Montreal Locomotive Works [1947] 1 DLR 161, Lord Wright said: ...it is in some cases possible to decide the issue by raising as the crucial question whose business is it, or in other words by asking whether the party is carrying on the business, in the sense of carrying it on for himself or on his own behalf and not merely for a superior. 36. Similarly, in Stevenson, Jordan and Harrison Ltd v. MacDonald and Evans [1952] 1 TLR 101 Denning LJ said: ...under a contract of service, a man is employed as part of the business, and his work is done as an integral part of the business; whereas, under a contract for services, his work, although done for the business, is not integrated into it but is only accessory to it. 37. The professional skills involved in carrying out the work are also a useful guide in determining whether a person is carrying on their own business or not. The provision of professional skills or skilled labour may imply that the contractor is able to make an independent career by selling that skill. In the case of a contractor with an independent career, it may be implied that the contractor is able to conduct their own business using those skills. 38. This was highlighted in Hollis v. Vabu Pty Ltd at paragraph 48, where the court said in relation to bicycle couriers hired by Vabu: The couriers were not providing skilled labour or labour which required special qualifications. A bicycle courier is unable to make an independent career as a free-lancer or to generate any 'goodwill' as a bicycle courier… 39. Consideration may also be given to whether the worker could be expected to generate goodwill in their own right. If the benefits from the creation of goodwill flow to the worker then this would indicate that they are an independent contractor. Alternatively, if goodwill flows to the principal, this suggests an employer/employee relationship. 40. It is therefore necessary to consider whether the worker is providing services as part of the principal's business (under a contract of service as an employee) or providing services as part of their own business (under a contract for services as an independent contractor). | Detailed Reasoning - Application of the common law to your case: 41. In accordance with paragraphs 39 to 41 of SGR 2005/1, the fact that the Worker is free to engage in other business activities, provided the provision of services under the Agreement is not affected including any conflict of interest, is generally indicative that the Worker is operating a business of their own as an independent contractor. 42. The fact that the Worker is solely responsible for the payment of taxes, including payroll and income tax, and any other liability associated with the provision of services, indicates that the Worker is intending to operate on their own account as an independent contractor. 43. These factors indicate that the Worker is not intending to provide services as part of the Principal's business, but as part of their own business as an independent contractor. 44. Overall, we are satisfied that the integration test in isolation is more in favour of the notion that the relationship between the Principal and Worker is one of principal and independent contractor. 45. However, to determine the true nature of the relationship, it is necessary to consider other common law tests. | Detailed Reasoning - 4. 'Results' test: 46. Under a results based contract, payment is often made for a negotiated contract price, as opposed to an hourly rate. The meaning of the phrase 'producing a result' means the performance of a service by one party for another where the first mentioned party is free to employ their own means (that is, third party labour, plant and equipment) to achieve the contractually specified outcome. The essence of the contract has to be to achieve a result and not to do work. 47. Satisfactory completion of the specified services is the result for which the parties have bargained. That is, a payment becomes payable when, and only when, the contractual conditions have been fulfilled. 48. Where the substance of a contract is to achieve a specified result, there is a strong indication that the contract is one for services. In World Book (Australia) Pty Ltd v. FC of T 92 ATC 4327 ( World Book (Australia) Pty Ltd v. FC of T) Sheller JA said: Undertaking the production of a given result has been considered to be a mark, if not the mark, of an independent contractor. 49. While the notion of 'payment for a result' is expected in a contract for services, it is not necessarily inconsistent with a contract of service. For example, the Full Court of the Supreme Court of South Australia in the decision of Commissioner of State Taxation v. Roy Morgan Research Centre Pty Ltd (2004) SASC 288 ( Commissioner of State Taxation v. Roy Morgan Research Centre Pty Ltd) , found that interviewers who were only paid on the completion of each assignment not on an hourly basis, were employees and not independent contractors. It was found that the workers were paid for their time spent and labour, and not to produce a result. 50. Having regard to the true essence of the contract, the manner in which payment is structured will not of itself exclude genuine result based contracts. For example, there are results based contracts where the contract price is based on an estimate of the time and labour cost that is necessary to complete the task, or may even be calculated on that basis, subject to reasonable completion times. Generally, where a worker submits quotes or issues invoices for each job to the principal, this would be consistent with operating their own business. Nonetheless, the issuing of invoices is not necessarily determinative of the nature of the relationship. 51. Accordingly, the contractual relationship as a whole must still be considered to determine the true character of the relationship between the parties. | Detailed Reasoning - Application of the common law to your case: 52. There has been no information provided which indicates that the invoices are structured in accordance with an hourly rate, or any other measurement of time. However, as per paragraph 45 of SGR 2005/1 the manner in which payment is structured will not in itself preclude the contract from being considered a 'result based' contract. 53. The overall indication is that the Worker is largely free to employ their own means to achieve a 'result', with that result being determined by the scope of work and KPIs agreed upon by the client and the Principal for each service. In accordance with paragraph 24 of SGR 2005/1, this is a strong (but not conclusive) indicator that the Worker is an independent contractor. 54. Overall, we are satisfied that the results test in isolation is more in favour of the notion that the relationship between the Principal and the Worker is one of principal and independent contractor. 55. However, the contractual relationship as a whole must still be considered to determine the true character of the relationship between the parties. | Detailed Reasoning - 5. Delegation: 56. The power to delegate or subcontract (in the sense of the capacity to engage others to do the work) is a significant factor in deciding whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor. If a person is contractually required to personally perform the work, this is an indication that the person is an employee. 57. If the contract does not expressly require the worker to personally perform the services, an independent contractor has the capacity to delegate or subcontract all (or some) of the work to others. Where the worker delegates, they are responsible for remunerating that worker. 58. In the case of Neale (DFC of T) v. Atlas Products (Vic) Pty Ltd (1955) 94 CLR 419 at 425; 6 AITR 201 at 202, the High Court interpreted the words 'a contract which is wholly or substantially for the labour of the person to whom the payments are made' to decide that if a contract leaves a person completely free, if he or she chooses, to engage others to perform the work on his or her behalf means that the payments are not payments under a contract for labour. That is so even if the contractor actually does perform the work personally and had no intention of doing otherwise. If the contract leaves the contractor free to do the work himself or employ other persons to carry it out the contractual remuneration when paid is not a payment made wholly or at all for the labour of the person to whom the payments are made. It is a payment made under a contract whereby the contractor has undertaken to produce a result... 59. When an employee asks a colleague to take an additional shift or responsibility, the employee is not responsible for paying that replacement worker, rather the employee has merely substituted or shared the workload. 60. However, a clause in the contract may permit the worker to delegate the task to another worker subject to approval of the principal, as the principal may not want an unknown worker to be working on their site or who may not be suitably qualified. 61. In the case of Bowerman v. Sinclair Halvorsen Pty Ltd [1999] NSWIRComm 21, Bishop J said: The fact that any substitute driver had to be approved by the company does not give the respondent [the principal] control over that delegation… the company surely had the right to be confident that any substitute driver was competent to do the job and maintain the "integrity" of the company as Mr Coomb put it. 62. Therefore, under a contract for services, the emphasis is on the performance of the agreed services (achievement of the 'result'). A person who has a right to delegate work (whether or not that right is exercised in practice) does not work under a contract wholly or principally for their labour. Unless the contract expressly requires the service provider to personally perform the contracted services, the contractor is free to arrange for his or her employees to perform all or some of the work or may subcontract all or some of the work to another service provider. | Detailed Reasoning - Application of the common law to your case: 63. These factors indicate that while the Worker's power to delegate is subject to obtaining the prior written consent of the Principal, and to the personnel complying with the obligations imposed by the Agreement, these restrictions do not amount to giving the Principal control over the delegation ( Bowerman v. Sinclair Halvorsen Pty Ltd ). 64. In accordance with paragraph 49 of SGR 2005/1, unless the contract expressly requires the service provider to personally perform the contracted services, the Worker is free to arrange their personnel to perform all or some of the work in the completion of their duties. 65. Based on the information provided, the restrictions upon a power to delegate do not displace this power to the extent that the Worker is contractually required to personally perform the work. This indicates that the relationship between the Principal and the Worker is one of principal and independent contractor. 66. These factors are strong indicators that the Worker is engaged as an independent contractor. As per paragraph 49 of SGR 2005/1, in these circumstances an independent contractor is the party responsible for renumerating workers engaged through their delegation. 67. Overall, we are satisfied that the delegation test in isolation is more in favour of the notion that the relationship between the Principal and the Worker is one of principal and independent contractor. 68. However, to determine the true nature of the relationship, it is necessary to consider other common law tests. | Detailed Reasoning - 6. Risk: 69. Generally speaking, employers are vicariously liable for negligence and injury caused by their employees. However a principal will not be liable for negligence or injury caused by an independent contractor. 70. The higher the degree to which a worker is exposed to the risk of commercial loss (and the chance of commercial profit), the more they are likely to be regarded as being independent. Typically, a worker who derives piece rate payments and sustains large outgoings would be so exposed. The higher the proportion of the gross income of the worker which is required to be expended in deriving that income, and the more substantial the assets which the worker brings to the tasks, the more likely that the contract is for service, or a contract with an independent contractor. 71. As stated by McKenna J in Ready Mixed Concrete (South East) Limited v. Minister Pensions and National Insurance [1968] 2 QB 497 at 526: …the owner of assets, the chance of profit and risk of loss in the business of carriage are his and not the company's. 72. Another consideration of risk is the liability for the cost of rectifying faulty work. That is, the key underlying consideration is whether the individual is exposed to commercial risk in terms of a liability to cover the cost of rectifying defective work. This is consistent with the focus on the chance of profit and the risk of loss as a traditional indicator that a worker is an independent contractor conducting their own business. 73. Carrying their own insurance and indemnity policies is an indicator that a worker is engaged as an independent contractor. | Detailed Reasoning - Application of the common law to your case: 74. Based on the information provided, these factors indicate that the risk of liability for the cost of rectifying faulty work is principally held by the Worker. 75. Overall, we are satisfied that the risk test in isolation is more in favour of the notion that the relationship between the Principal and the Worker is one of principal and independent contractor. 76. However, to determine the true nature of the relationship, it is necessary to consider other common law tests. | Detailed Reasoning - 7. Capital - Provision of tools and equipment and payment of business expenses: 77. A worker who has been integrated as an employee into the business is more likely to be provided with the tools and equipment required for his work by the employer. Furthermore, the employer is often also responsible for the business expenses incurred by the worker, since the worker has been integrated into the employer's business. 78. Independent contractors carrying on their own business often provide and pay for their own assets, tools, equipment, maintenance costs and other expenses. Usually, they will have factored these costs in their overall fee or will seek separate payment for such expenses from the principal. 79. In Stevens v. Brodribb at 36-37, the High Court observed that working on one's own account (as an independent contractor) often involves: The provision of him by his own place of work or of his equipment, the creation of him of goodwill or saleable assets in the course of his work, the payment by him from his remuneration of business expenses of any significant proportion… | Detailed Reasoning - Application of the common law to your case: 80. Paragraph 52 of SGR 2005/1 states that: It has been held that the provision of assets, equipment and tools by an individual and the incurring of expenses and other overheads is an indicator that the individual is an independent contractor. 81. Based on the information provided, these factors indicate that the worker is an independent contractor carrying on their own business. The charging of a fee by the Worker for the costs and expenses associated with the performance of the services is generally inconsistent with an employer/employee relationship. 82. Overall, we are satisfied that the capital test in isolation is more in favour of the notion that the relationship between the Principal and the Worker is one of principal and independent contractor. | Detailed Reasoning - Our conclusion regarding the common law definition of employee: 83. With respect to the relationship between the Principal and the Worker, the facts and evidence provided point to the conclusion that the Worker is not a common law employee of the Principal. 84. As the facts and evidence indicate that the Worker is not your employee under common law, we are required to consider the expanded definition of employee under subsection 12(3) of the SGAA. | Detailed Reasoning - Question 2: Was the Worker an employee of the Principal by virtue of subsection 12(3) of the SGAA? | Detailed Reasoning - Expanded definition of employee for SGAA purposes: 85. The expanded definition of employee within subsection 12(3) of the SGAA, states: If a person works under a contract that is wholly or principally for the labour of the person, the person is an employee of the other party to the contract. 86. SGR 2005/1 explains when an individual is considered to be an 'employee' under section 12 of SGAA. 87. Paragraph 78 of SGR 2005/1 states that where the terms of the contract, in light of the subsequent conduct of the parties, indicate that: • the individual is remunerated (either wholly or principally) for their personal labour and skills; • the individual must perform the contractual work personally (there is no right to delegate); and • the individual is not paid to achieve a result the contract is considered to be wholly and principally for the labour of the individual engaged, and he or she will be an employee under subsection 12(3) of the SGAA. | Detailed Reasoning - Wholly or principally for labour: 88. In this context, the word "principally" assumes its commonly understood meaning, that is chiefly or mainly, and labour includes mental and artistic effort as well as physical toil. 89. A contract may be partly for labour and partly for something else, such as the supply of goods, materials or hire of plant or machinery. Subsection 12(3) of the SGAA only applies if the contract is wholly or principally for labour. 90. In this case, the Worker is remunerated for labour and skills associated with the provision of services, provided under a contract for services. 91. Based on the information provided, we consider that the Worker was paid primarily for their own labour and skills. | Detailed Reasoning - The individual must perform the duties themselves: 92. As discussed earlier regarding the 'delegation test' at common law, based on the information provided, we consider that the Worker did have a right to delegate work to others despite some restrictions on this power. | Detailed Reasoning - Not paid to achieve a result: 93. As discussed earlier regarding the 'results test' at common law, based on the information provided, we consider that the Worker was paid to achieve a result. | Detailed Reasoning - Our conclusion regarding the expanded definition of employee: 94. As the Worker does not satisfy all three components of the expanded definition under subsection 12(3) of the SGAA, they do not meet the expanded definition of employee as set out under subsection 12(3) of the SGAA. | Detailed Reasoning - Conclusion - overall: 95. Upon considering of all the available facts and evidence, the Commissioner is satisfied that with respect to work performed for the Principal, the Worker does not meet the definition of an employee for the purposes of the SGAA under either common law or the expanded definition provided under subsection 12(3) of the SGAA. 96. Accordingly, the Principal does not have an obligation to pay superannuation contributions for the benefit of the Worker under the SGAA.

Is the Worker considered a common law employee of as defined by subsection 12(1) of the Superannuation Guarantee Administration Act 1992 (SGAA) for the period? | We considered these to be relevant facts: The private ruling application was lodged included the following attached documents: | • Consultancy Agreement ('the Agreement') between the Principal and the; | • Services Agreement between the Principal and the client; and | • Document providing your arguments and references. | Based on the information provided, we considered the following to be relevant facts: | • The Principal is a firm that provides consulting services to their clients by engaging a 'sole trader' as a 'contractor' to perform services for the client. The services are frequently performed by a single individual. | • The 'contractor' ('the Worker') is engaged by the Principal under a Consultancy Agreement ('the Agreement') which makes reference to the Services Agreement outlining the scope of work to be performed for the client. | We formed our view on the facts by relying on this information: The private ruling application form and the attached documents.