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31/03/2025

Setting up a Commonwealth entity

This interactive guide will support you when setting up a Commonwealth entity, help you find important information and who you can talk to for assistance.

Getting Started#

Using this guide #

Find out who this guide is for and how to use it

See all Using this guide

Check if you're ready #

Make sure you have everything you need to begin

See all Check if you're ready

Initial priorities #

Learn what you should do first when starting a new entity

See all Initial priorities

Key topics#

Accommodation #

Domestic accommodation, property management, leases and office fit-outs.

Appointments & staffing #

Executive and staff recruitment, employment terms and conditions and advertising.

Communications & media #

Government websites, branding and advertising, media enquiries and communications.

Funding & financial #

Budget, funding arrangements, banking and cash management and financial reporting.

Governance & compliance #

Public interest disclosure, performance reporting, internal controls and spending government money.

IT & security #

Protective and cyber security policies, security advisors and buying technology.

Information management #

Information and data management, copyright, privacy and freedom of information.

Purchasing #

Buying and selling for Government, whole-of-government arrangements and travel.

Risk & insurance #

Risk management and culture, insurance and Comcover services.

Corporate services #

Corporate service providers, accounts, payroll, travel and credit card.

Tax & superannuation #

Australian business number, pay as you go, fringe benefits tax and super contributions.

Work health & safety #

Comcare, workers compensation insurance and rehabilitation and return to work.