Mutual obligation requirements for visual artists
Webinar recording and Q&A download now available.
NAVA is pleased to share a new resource for artists navigating mutual obligation requirements under Workforce Australia. Last year, NAVA hosted an information session with representatives from Workforce Australia, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) and the Department of Social Services (DSS) to clarify how the Points Based Activation System (PBAS) applies to visual and creative artists. The session provided important clarifications for artists engaged in self-directed and project-based work, including grant applications, commissions, and professional development activities.
Workforce Australia has now released a recording of the webinar and a downloadable Q&A document addressing key questions raised by NAVA Members via the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.
NAVA’s further advocacy
Following the release of the Q&A, NAVA has sought further clarification on several points to ensure the information provided aligns with the realities of working in the arts. Key areas where we have requested refinements include:
- Job search and grant applications: Artists can report job search efforts in several ways, including manually entering job searches, uploading supporting documents, or applying through their Workforce Australia account. We have asked Workforce Australia to clarify how artists should document time spent on grant applications and project proposals to ensure they receive appropriate recognition under PBAS.
- Points for paid work: Workforce Australia’s system currently rounds up hours worked to the next 5-hour increment (e.g., reporting 7 hours results in 10 points). We have requested clarification on whether 2 hours work will be counted as 5 points, or if an alternative structure (such as 1 point per hour) may be considered in specific cases.
- Administrative and self-employed work: While some administrative tasks—such as updating a portfolio, managing a website, or social media promotion—may count toward self-employment, they must be linked to income-generating activities as are assessed at the discretion of the provider. NAVA has sought explicit confirmation that administrative tasks related to securing paid work (e.g., contract negotiations) may count towards PBAS requirements.
- Lump sum payments and business costs: NAVA has asked Workforce Australia to provide a clearer response on how artists can demonstrate costs and deductions from lump sum payments such as commissions, grants, and prizes. Additionally, we have requested specific guidance on how these deductions should be reported to Centrelink, ensuring that business-related costs such as studio rent, materials, or subcontractor payments are appropriately recognised when determining assessable income for social security purposes.
- Discretionary adjustments: Many aspects of PBAS, including point allocations and job search expectations, are at the discretion of providers. We are seeking clearer guidance on how artists can effectively advocate for adjustments to reflect the realities of their professional practice.
If you have specific concerns or experiences to share, please reach out to us at nava@visualarts.net.au.
ID: A Workforce Australia webinar slide titled "Mutual Obligation Requirements for Visual and Creative Artists – 5 December 2024." It lists speakers Andrew Wright (Department of Employment and Workplace Relations) and Andrea Wallace-Green (Department of Social Services). On the right, a video call panel shows three participants: an interpreter, Penelope Benton (NAVA), and a Workforce Australia representative in a meeting room. The slide includes an illustration of a row of people, including two wheelchair users, on a dark blue background.
