Australia
Australia Trades Vendor Directory
Independent reviews of 27 Australia-relevant vendors and regulators across 5 categories, for Australian contractors: Single Touch Payroll and Payday Super in payroll, how each payroll product handles awards, supplier integrations with wholesalers such as Reece, state licensing (Building Commission NSW, QBCC, the Building and Plumbing Commission in Victoria, and the WA and SA regulators), and how each lead platform charges.
Deciding between two options?
See AU vendors compared side by side: pros and cons, AU-specific notes and pricing, head to head.
✅ Compliance guide · In effect since 1 July 2026
Payday super is law: the quarterly batch is over
Super with every pay run, received by the fund within 7 business days of payday, per Treasury. The cash-flow shift, the super guarantee charge and what to confirm with your payroll vendor.
What's different about AU trades vendor selection
Three things shape the Australian picture. First, trade licensing is run by the states: building and trade licences in NSW come from Building Commission NSW, Queensland uses QBCC (with electrical work licensed by the Electrical Safety Office), and Victoria uses the Building and Plumbing Commission, which the VBA is now part of. Under Automatic Mutual Recognition, licence holders from participating states can work in NSW, usually after a free notification, but Queensland does not take part, so a licence from another state does not automatically cover work there. Second, payroll carries Single Touch Payroll reporting and Payday Super: from 1 July 2026 the super guarantee is due when wages are paid rather than quarterly, and award handling varies, with Employment Hero and Deputy describing automated award handling while MYOB, Xero and Reckon do not describe an award-interpretation feature. Third, lead platforms charge in different ways: hipages and ServiceSeeking sell subscriptions, Bark sells credits to respond to requests shared with up to five pros, and Localsearch and Yellow Pages offer free listings with paid marketing or ads, some on 6- or 12-month minimum terms.
Field service software
Job management software sold to Australian trade businesses. AroFlo (Melbourne) and Simpro (founded in Brisbane) are both owned by Simpro Group; ServiceM8, from an Australian company, prices by jobs per month with unlimited users on paid plans; Tradify (founded in New Zealand, owned by the UK's Access Group) and Fergus price per user. AroFlo lists supplier integrations with wholesalers such as Reece, Rexel and Actrol, and Fergus says supplier invoices from merchants such as Reece and Tradelink import and match to jobs automatically.
AroFlo
Tier S · Published pricesMelbourne-based job management software for trade businesses, part of Simpro Group, from $80 per user a month
AroFlo is job management software for Australian and New Zealand trade businesses, founded by an Australian electrician and headquartered in Melbourne. Simpro bought AroFlo in November 2021, and it is now part of Simpro Group, which also owns Simpro, BigChange and ClockShark. AroFlo says more than 2,800 businesses use it and that it scales from sole traders to operations with 40 or more technicians, covering quoting, scheduling, invoicing, compliance forms, inventory and project management.
AU-specific note
Australian-operated with AU and NZ support lines. AroFlo lists integrations with Australian and NZ suppliers including Reece, Rexel, Actrol, Haymans, Lawrence & Hanson and John R Turk, and with Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks and Reckon for accounting.
Pros
- + Published starting price: $80 per user a month, falling as users are added
- + Supplier integrations with Australian and NZ wholesalers such as Reece, Rexel and Actrol
- + Accounting links to Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks and Reckon
- + Local head office in Melbourne with AU and NZ support lines
Cons
- − Minimum of 3 users, so a sole trader pays for at least 3 licences
- − Setup fee on top of the subscription
- − Pricing page does not state currency or whether GST is included
- − GPS tracking and the AI bill scanner are paid add-ons
Simpro (AU)
Tier A · ListedJob, project and service management software for trade contractors, founded in Brisbane and now run by Simpro Group
Simpro is job, project and service management software for trade contractors. It started in Brisbane and is now run by Simpro Group, which received a growth investment of over US$350 million from K1 in November 2021 and then bought AroFlo and ClockShark, followed by BigChange in October 2024. The group named Miami its North America headquarters in December 2025 and launched an AI platform called Lightning in May 2026.
AU-specific note
Founded in Brisbane. The same group also owns AroFlo, a Melbourne-based job management product for Australian and New Zealand trades, so Australian buyers can compare both from one owner.
Pros
- + Pricing tailored to team size (office and field users) and the add-ons you choose
- + Well-funded owner: K1 invested over US$350 million in the business in 2021
- + Ongoing AI development: Lightning platform (May 2026) plus AI scheduling, CRM and safety tools (July 2026)
- + Australian-founded, with a sister product (AroFlo) in the same group
Cons
- − No public prices: you need a sales quote
- − Initial setup fee for onboarding, training and data migration
- − Add-ons change the price, so compare full quotes including setup
ServiceM8 (AU)
Tier S · Published pricesAustralian job management app for small trade and service businesses, priced by jobs per month with unlimited users
ServiceM8 is job management software from ServiceM8 Pty Ltd, an Australian company, built around its iPhone and iPad app, with ServiceM8 Lite for Android. Pricing is per business by jobs per month rather than per user, and every paid plan includes unlimited users. ServiceM8 says trades and service contractors around the world have used it to manage over $35B in jobs.
AU-specific note
Australian prices are in AUD and include GST. Accounting integrations cover Xero, MYOB (a MYOB Certified Add-on) and QuickBooks Online, and Deputy connects for rostering and timesheets.
Pros
- + Published AUD prices including GST, from a free plan up to $349 a month
- + Unlimited users on every paid plan
- + No lock-in: change plans at any time, and the 14-day trial needs no payment details
- + Integrates with Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks Online
Cons
- − Optimised for iPhone and iPad; Android users get ServiceM8 Lite
- − Price rises with monthly job volume, and the Free plan is limited to 1 user and 30 jobs
- − Premium Plus charges 20c per job above 1,500 a month, and extra SMS cost 10c each
Tradify (AU)
Tier S · Published pricesJob management software for small trade businesses, owned by the UK's Access Group, from AU$48 per user a month excluding GST
Tradify is job management software for trade businesses, founded in New Zealand and bought by the UK's Access Group under a deal announced in October 2024. It covers enquiries, quoting, scheduling, job tracking, timesheets, invoicing and online payments, and syncs with Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks. Pricing is per user per month, and Tradify says it serves tens of thousands of tradies.
AU-specific note
Australian prices are in AUD excluding GST. Tradify lists a Sydney office in Chatswood NSW, Australian 1800 support numbers and free one-on-one training and phone support.
Pros
- + Published AUD per-user prices, month to month with no contract
- + 14-day free trial with full access and no credit card
- + Free one-on-one training and phone support, with a Sydney office
- + Syncs with Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks, with Stripe for card payments
Cons
- − Per-user pricing adds up as the team grows
- − Timesheets, job photos and certificates need Pro; purchase orders and reporting need Plus
- − Prices exclude GST, and SMS (20c each) and the Instant Website ($19 a month) cost extra
Fergus (AU)
Tier S · Published pricesJob management software for trade businesses, built by a tradesman, from AU$53 per user a month
Fergus is job management software created by Dan Pollard, a tradesman who built it while running his own trades business. It covers quoting, scheduling, job phases for progress claims, time and materials tracking, invoicing, job costing and reporting, with iOS and Android apps. Fergus says it is trusted by more than 25,000 tradies and sells Essentials and Professional plans, with a custom Enterprise plan for teams over 10 staff.
AU-specific note
Priced in AUD, month to month per user, with an office in Woolloomooloo NSW. Fergus says supplier invoices from Australian merchants such as Reece and Tradelink import and match to jobs automatically, and it syncs GST-compliant invoices to Xero or MYOB; QuickBooks is also supported.
Pros
- + Published AUD prices, month to month with no setup fee or lock-in
- + Supplier invoice import from Australian merchants such as Reece and Tradelink
- + Job phases for progress claims, plus job costing and reporting
- + 14-day free trial with no credit card and a free one-hour onboarding session
Cons
- − Checklists, forms, purchase orders and SWMS tools are on Professional only
- − Essentials support is email and chat only; phone support needs Professional
- − Pricing page does not say whether prices include GST
- − Teams over 10 staff need a custom Enterprise quote
Lead-generation platforms
Ways Australian tradies find work, each charging differently. On hipages and ServiceSeeking customers post jobs and tradies pay a subscription; on Bark pros spend credits to respond to requests shared with up to five pros; Localsearch and Yellow Pages are directories with free listings plus paid marketing or ads. ServiceSeeking and Bark carry reputation warnings: read them before signing up.
Hipages
Tier A · ListedAustralian home-improvement marketplace where homeowners post jobs and subscribed tradies get leads
hipages is an online marketplace run by hipages Group Holdings, which listed on the ASX in 2020 (code HPG) and also owns Builderscrack in New Zealand. Homeowners post a job and are matched with local tradies; hipages Group says more than 100,000 jobs are posted each month and that hipages has 33,000 tradie members. Tradies pay by subscription, a model hipages adopted in 2021, and in 2024 it launched hipages tradiecore, an app that combines lead and job management.
AU-specific note
Australia-only marketplace; the group's New Zealand marketplace is the separate Builderscrack brand. hipages Group lists offices in Sydney and Manila, plus Christchurch for Builderscrack.
Pros
- + Homeowners post jobs directly; hipages Group says over 100,000 jobs are posted each month
- + Lead and job management in one app (hipages tradiecore, launched 2024)
- + Operating since 2004, with an ASX-listed parent that reports its results publicly
Cons
- − No public tradie price list found: get a written quote before signing up
- − Subscription is an ongoing cost whether or not leads turn into paid work
- − Australia only; New Zealand work runs through the separate Builderscrack platform
ServiceSeeking
Tier F · Reputation warningAustralian job-lead marketplace: lead subscriptions from AU$129 a month, no commission on work won
⚠ Reputation warning
In July 2020 the Federal Court ordered Service Seeking Pty Ltd to pay a $600,000 penalty for misleading online reviews, in a case brought by the ACCC. From July 2016 to November 2018 its Fast Feedback feature let businesses draft their own reviews, which were published automatically if the customer did not respond within three days; about 17,000 were published that way. Service Seeking admitted liability, and the court also ordered injunctions, corrective notices and a compliance program.
ServiceSeeking is an Australian marketplace, run by Service Seeking Pty Ltd since 2007, where customers post jobs and businesses quote on them across trades, household, business and creative services. Businesses list for free and pay for a lead subscription; ServiceSeeking says it sent 267,220 job leads to local businesses in the last 12 months. It charges no commission on work won.
AU-specific note
Australia only; the site covers Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and Canberra. The published starting price includes GST, and ServiceSeeking emails a tax receipt for each subscription payment.
Pros
- + Published entry price: lead subscriptions from AU$129 a month including GST
- + No commission: once you have a customer's contact details you can deal with them on or off the platform
- + Average daily budget, with unused budget rolling over to the next day
- + Auto-recharge can be turned off to cap spend at the initial subscription
Cons
- − Federal Court penalty in 2020 over misleading reviews published from 2016 to 2018
- − No free trial as standard
- − Actual price varies by industry and location and is shown only inside the account
Bark (AU)
Tier F · Reputation warningLondon-based services marketplace: pros spend credits to respond to customer requests, with up to five pros per request
⚠ Reputation warning
The London company that runs Bark's Australian site has no accreditation on its BBB profile, which is listed under an Austin, Texas address. The profile showed 85 complaints closed in the last three years when checked on 30 September 2026. Under Bark's own terms you spend credits to respond before you can reach the customer, up to five pros can contact the same customer, credits are returned only for an invalid phone number, a non-working email or contact details that are not the requester's, reported within 7 days, and credits bought from 1 November 2025 expire after 3 months.
Bark is an online services marketplace founded in the UK by Kai Feller and Andrew Michael, headquartered in London and majority-owned by private equity firm EMK Capital since 2022. Its Australian site covers business, events, health, home, legal, lessons and pet services as well as trades. Customers post a request for free, pros spend credits to respond, and Bark's terms say a maximum of five professionals will contact the customer on a general request; Bark takes no commission on the job.
AU-specific note
The Australian site is run by Bark.com Global Limited, a company registered in England and Wales. Bark's careers site says its Melbourne office houses the sales and marketing teams for Australia and New Zealand.
Pros
- + No commission on the job; one fee to respond and follow-up messages are free
- + Paying to respond unlocks the customer's phone number and email
- + One-time Get Hired Guarantee re-adds the first starter pack's credits if it wins no work
- + Covers many service categories beyond the trades
Cons
- − You pay before you know whether the customer will reply
- − Up to five pros can contact the same customer
- − Credits bought from 1 November 2025 expire after 3 months (previously 12)
- − Credits are returned only for an invalid phone number, a non-working email or contact details that are not the requester's, reported within 7 days
Localsearch
Tier A · ListedQueensland-based local business directory and digital marketing provider, founded in 1993 as a phone directories company
Localsearch was launched in 1993 by Glenn Hargraves as Phone Directories Company and says it is family-founded and still independent, with its head office in Robina, Queensland. It runs the localsearch.com.au directory, where businesses can create a free profile and receive quote requests and enquiries, and sells digital marketing: SEO, Google Ads management, websites, Google Business Profile and review management, and listings syndication. Localsearch says it helps more than 15,000 Australian businesses each year across more than 75 Australian markets.
AU-specific note
Localsearch Operations Pty Ltd is based at 138 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina QLD. Its subscription agreement (25 September 2026) sets a 6-month minimum term (12 months for subscription websites and LocalVis), then month-by-month renewal until you give 30 days' written notice; early termination is at Localsearch's discretion and fees for the rest of the term stay payable.
Pros
- + Free business profile on localsearch.com.au
- + Customers can send quote requests and enquiries straight to your profile
- + Marketing products are priced one by one, so you can buy a single service
- + Serves more than 75 Australian markets, from Cairns and Townsville to Geelong and Bendigo, Localsearch says
Cons
- − 6-month minimum term on paid services (12 months for websites and LocalVis)
- − Renews month by month until you give 30 days' written notice
- − Early exit only at Localsearch's discretion, with the remaining fees payable
- − Only a starting price is published; each product needs a quote
Yellow Pages (Australia)
Tier A · ListedThryv Australia's online business directory with free listings and paid ads; the print book is being sold to a Carolwood affiliate
Yellow Pages Online (yellow.com.au) is run by Thryv Australia Pty Ltd, the former Sensis, which Nasdaq-listed Thryv Holdings acquired in March 2021 and rebranded in September 2021. Businesses can list for free; paid ads add postcode targeting, a live chat tool and quote requests that go only to that business, and Yellow Pages says the site receives over 2 million business searches a month. In September 2026 Thryv agreed to sell its print Yellow and White Pages in Australia, the US and New Zealand, their digital editions and Australia White Pages online to an affiliate of Carolwood for $142 million, keeping its Internet Yellow Pages and other online properties.
AU-specific note
Thryv expects the print directories sale to close in the fourth quarter of 2026. Yellow Pages Book ads carry a 12-month minimum period and renew automatically every 12 months at the latest price until cancelled.
Pros
- + Free Yellow Pages Online listing
- + On paid ads, quote requests go only to you
- + Postcode targeting and a live chat tool for quote leads
- + Yellow Pages says the site gets over 2 million business searches a month
Cons
- − Paid online ad prices are not published
- − Yellow Pages Book ads have a 12-month minimum and renew automatically at the latest price
- − The print book business is being sold to a Carolwood affiliate, with closing expected in late 2026
- − Directory advertising: you pay for visibility, not for each job won
Business insurance
Three ways to buy tradie cover: online platforms that act as the insurer's agent rather than yours (BizCover, with a panel of 13 insurers, and upcover), brokers that quote each business (Trade Risk and Smart Business Insurance), and insurers that sell their own policies direct (NRMA Insurance and Allianz). BizCover and upcover list their own per-policy fees on top of the premium: $20-$200 plus GST at BizCover and $0-$300 ex GST at upcover.
BizCover (AU)
Tier A · ListedOnline business insurance quotes from 13 insurers, covering over 800 trade occupations
BizCover is an online business insurance platform run by BizCover Pty Limited (AFSL 501769), founded in 2008, that lets small businesses compare and buy cover from a panel of 13 insurers including AIG, Chubb, QBE, Vero and Zurich. BizCover says it has insured over 300,000 Australian small businesses and covers over 800 trade occupations. It acts as the insurers' agent under binder agreements and gives general advice only, so it does not advise on your personal circumstances as a broker would.
AU-specific note
For tradies BizCover offers public liability at $5M or $20M limits, personal accident and illness, portable equipment, professional indemnity and statutory liability, with policy documents emailed on purchase. It says business insurance for tradies costs $87.50 a month on average, and it adds its own fee of $20 to $200 plus GST per policy.
Pros
- + Compare quotes from 13 insurers in one online form
- + Covers over 800 trade occupations, with $5M or $20M public liability limits
- + Cover in minutes, with policy documents emailed straight away
- + Pay monthly or annually
Cons
- − BizCover acts for the insurer, not for you, and gives general advice only
- − BizCover fee of $20 to $200 plus GST per policy, on top of the premium
- − Paying monthly adds $8 plus GST a month, and card fees apply
- − Commission is kept by BizCover even if the policy is cancelled
Trade Risk
Tier A · ListedBrisbane-based insurance broker for trade businesses, run by Trade Risk Pty Ltd
Trade Risk is an insurance broker focused on trade businesses, operated by Trade Risk Pty Ltd, a Queensland company registered in 2012 and founded by Shane Moore. Its website describes broking public liability, personal accident and tool insurance for tradies, with a focus on the construction trades. As a broker it quotes each business individually rather than selling cover off the shelf.
AU-specific note
Trade Risk Pty Ltd (ABN 51 157 750 751) is registered in Queensland, with business names including Trade Risk Insurance Brokers, Tradies Insurance, Patch Insurance Brokers and Income Protection Australia. Its website gives an office in Hendra, about 15 minutes north of the Brisbane CBD.
Pros
- + Broker focused on trade businesses, including the construction trades
- + Arranges public liability, personal accident and tool insurance
- + Operating since 2012, with a Brisbane office
Cons
- − No published prices could be checked: each policy is quoted
- − Ask which insurer underwrites each policy and whether a broker fee applies
- − Enquiry and quote process rather than instant online cover
NRMA Business
Tier A · ListedBusiness and tradie insurance sold direct by NRMA Insurance, a brand of ASX-listed IAG
NRMA Insurance is a retail brand of Insurance Australia Group (IAG), and its policies are issued by Insurance Australia Limited trading as NRMA Insurance. Its business insurance range includes contractor and tradie insurance, public liability and professional indemnity, sold direct rather than through a broker. For tradies, NRMA lists public liability cover options of $5 million, $10 million, $15 million or $20 million, with optional cover for tools, materials and vehicles.
AU-specific note
Policies are issued by Insurance Australia Limited ABN 11 000 016 722 AFSL 227681, trading as NRMA Insurance. The NRMA motoring club says it is separate and independent from the insurer and acts only as a referrer under an agreement with it.
Pros
- + Tradie public liability options of $5 million, $10 million, $15 million or $20 million
- + Optional cover for work tools, materials and vehicles
- + Bought direct, including online, with no broker in between
- + Issued by Insurance Australia Limited, part of ASX-listed IAG
Cons
- − No published premiums; every policy needs a quote
- − Sells only its own policies, so there is no comparison with other insurers
- − Cover terms and exclusions sit in the Product Disclosure Statement, which needs a careful read before buying
Upcover
Tier A · ListedSydney online insurance platform: tradie public liability and tools cover, quoted and bought online
upcover is a Sydney-based online insurance platform that arranges business insurance with selected insurers and underwriters; it says it has more than 80 insurance partners and more than 70,000 small-business customers. Its trades and construction page offers public and products liability, tools of trade, commercial motor and fleet, and tax audit cover, quoted online. Business News Australia reported in February 2025 that it raised a $19m Series A in debt and equity.
AU-specific note
upcover Pty Ltd (ABN 17 628 197 437) is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR 1299211) of Experience Insurance Services Pty Ltd, AFSL 539078. Its terms say it acts as agent of the insurer, not the customer, when it effects a policy, and its site says it does not compare all insurers in the market.
Pros
- + Quotes and purchase online; upcover says quotes take minutes
- + Tools of trade cover for theft, damage or loss of tools and equipment, including power tools and machinery
- + Proof of insurance can be sent as soon as the policy is bought, upcover says
- + Monthly instalment option
Cons
- − No public prices; a quote is needed
- − Monthly instalments carry an instalment administration charge (a flat percentage of the total cost), per its terms
- − Service fee of $0 to $300 (ex GST) per policy on top of the premium, per its terms
- − Acts as agent of the insurer, not the customer, when it effects a policy
Smart Business Insurance
Tier A · ListedVictorian insurance broker arranging business insurance for small businesses, including tradies
Smart Business Insurance Pty Ltd is a Victorian insurance broking business whose ABN has been active since January 2013. As a broker it seeks quotes from the insurers it deals with regularly and places cover on the client's behalf, rather than selling one insurer's policy. Its financial services guide lists business packages, public and products liability, construction and plant insurance among the covers it arranges.
AU-specific note
Smart Business Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 88 162 162 576) holds authorised representative number 437328 and acts under another firm's Australian financial services licence; ask for its current financial services guide to see which licensee is responsible and how it is paid.
Pros
- + Advised broker that seeks quotes from several insurers on the client's behalf
- + Arranges a broad range of business covers, including public and products liability, construction and plant
- + Premium funding can be arranged to pay by instalments
- + In business since at least 2013 (ABN active from January 2013)
Cons
- − No confirmed public prices; premiums are quoted per client
- − Premium funding for instalments charges interest
- − Advice usually covers only the insurers it deals with regularly, not the whole market
- − Not a trades-only broker
Allianz Australia (Contractors & Tradies)
Tier A · ListedDirect insurer: tradie liability and tools cover, bought online or by phone, monthly at no extra cost
Allianz Australia Insurance Limited issues this Business Insurance Pack cover for contractors and tradies itself, rather than arranging it as a broker. Allianz says Allianz Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Allianz Group and has insured Australians for over 100 years. The pack combines public and products liability, general property cover for tools and portable equipment, and optional commercial vehicle cover, quoted online or by phone.
AU-specific note
Issued by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited (ABN 15 000 122 850, AFSL 234708). Allianz points out that a contract may set a minimum public and products liability amount, and that workers' compensation is compulsory in every state and territory for businesses with employees.
Pros
- + Public liability included in online Business Insurance Pack quotes
- + Tools and portable equipment covered if accidentally damaged or stolen from a secure location, anywhere in the world
- + Pay monthly or annually at no extra cost, Allianz says
- + Certificate of Currency emailed instantly after purchase
Cons
- − No public prices; premium depends on covers, limits and trade
- − Allianz's own cover only, with no comparison across insurers
- − Commercial vehicle cover needs liability or commercial property on the same policy
- − Tool theft is covered from a secure location only
Payroll software
Payroll software that reports to the ATO through Single Touch Payroll. MYOB, Employment Hero (formerly KeyPay), Xero and Reckon each describe Payday Super support on their payroll pages, and Deputy sells payroll as an add-on to its rostering and timesheet plans. Award handling differs: Employment Hero says pay rates update automatically for modern awards and Deputy includes award interpretation from its Lite plan, while MYOB, Xero and Reckon do not describe an award-interpretation feature on their payroll pages.
MYOB
Tier S · Published pricesAccounting and payroll software for Australian and New Zealand businesses since 1991, with payroll as an add-on, bundled or standalone
MYOB has sold accounting, payroll and business management software to Australian and New Zealand businesses since 1991 and says more than a million people in the two countries use it. Private equity firm KKR has owned it since 2019. Payroll is an add-on to MYOB Business Lite and Pro, included in AccountRight Plus, or sold on its own as MYOB Business Payroll Only for up to 4 employees.
AU-specific note
MYOB says its payroll reports pay to the ATO through Single Touch Payroll, automates super contributions (with a Pay Super setting for the Payday Super changes) and syncs timesheets and rosters from the MYOB Team app. From 1 November 2026 Payroll Only rises to $20 a month and the per-employee payroll fee to $5 a month, both including GST, per MYOB's price notice.
Pros
- + Standalone Payroll Only plan for up to 4 employees
- + AccountRight Plus includes payroll for unlimited employees at no extra cost
- + Single Touch Payroll reporting to the ATO and automated super contributions
- + Timesheets and rosters synced to pay runs on Pro and AccountRight Plus
Cons
- − Per-employee payroll fee on Lite and Pro, rising from $3 to $5 a month from 1 November 2026
- − Payroll caps: 2 employees on Lite, 4 on Payroll Only
- − Payroll Only rises from $15 to $20 a month from 1 November 2026
- − Intro discounts last 3-12 months, so the ongoing price is much higher
Employment Hero Payroll (formerly KeyPay)
Tier S · Published pricesEmployment Hero's payroll (formerly KeyPay): award-rate automation, STP Phase 2 and built-in super clearing
Employment Hero Payroll is the former KeyPay, which HR software company Employment Hero acquired in February 2022 and rebranded in May 2023. Employment Hero says its payroll updates pay rates automatically for modern awards and penalty rates, pulls in rostering and timesheet data, and reports through Single Touch Payroll Phase 2. It is sold as a Payroll plan or inside the Employment Unlimited HR and payroll bundle, and Employment Hero says it has more than 350,000 customers.
AU-specific note
Employment Hero calls its payroll 'ATO-recognised' for STP Phase 2 reporting. For Payday Super (from 1 July 2026 super must be paid every pay cycle), its HeroClear clearing house validates, pays and tracks super contributions from payroll.
Pros
- + Pay rates update automatically for modern awards and penalty rates, Employment Hero says
- + STP Phase 2 reporting to the ATO
- + Built-in super clearing (HeroClear) for Payday Super
- + Rostering and time data sync into pay runs
Cons
- − Minimum of 10 Users, so a 3-person crew pays for 10
- − Payroll page shows no billing period or GST basis for the $10 price
- − Rostering & Time is a paid add-on
- − The full HR and payroll bundle (Employment Unlimited) is quote-only
Xero Payroll (AU)
Tier S · Published pricesPayroll built into Xero's Australian plans: STP Phase 2 reporting and super payments, with payroll for 2, 5 or 10 people by plan
Xero Payroll is built into Xero's Australian accounting plans rather than sold as a separate add-on: Grow includes payroll for 2 people, Comprehensive for 5 and Ultimate 10 for 10, with larger Ultimate tiers. Xero, headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand, says 5 million customers use its software worldwide. Its Australian head office is in Melbourne, with offices in Brisbane and Sydney.
AU-specific note
Xero says its payroll handles Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 reporting to the ATO each payday and calculates and pays super in each pay run for Payday Super, which started on 1 July 2026, at no extra cost. For award obligations it points users to a payroll specialist or the Fair Work Ombudsman rather than automating award rules.
Pros
- + Payroll included in the plan price, with no separate payroll subscription
- + STP Phase 2 reporting to the ATO each payday
- + Super calculated and paid from each pay run for Payday Super
- + Xero Me app for payslips, leave requests and timesheets
Cons
- − Payroll headcount is capped by plan: 2 on Grow, 5 on Comprehensive, 10 on Ultimate 10
- − Extra charges may apply above the included number of people, and they are not listed on the pricing page
- − No award-interpretation feature described; Xero points users to the Fair Work Ombudsman
- − Payroll requires a Xero accounting plan
Deputy
Tier S · Published pricesSydney-founded rostering, time clock and award interpretation, with an optional Deputy Payroll add-on
Deputy is a workforce management platform founded in Sydney in 2008 by Steve Shelley and Ashik Ahmed; it says more than 390,000 workplaces worldwide use it. Its plans cover rostering, timesheets, time clocking and award interpretation, and approved timesheets can flow to Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks or Reckon, or to Deputy's own Payroll add-on. Deputy says its regularly updated award templates auto-fill employee entitlements, which suits award-covered trade crews.
AU-specific note
Deputy says Deputy Payroll is designed to support Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 reporting, and its payroll page notes that under Payday Super, super must be paid on each payday rather than quarterly. Award interpretation is included from the Lite plan (Core adds advanced award interpretation); AU prices are in AUD excluding taxes.
Pros
- + Award interpretation included from the Lite plan, with regularly updated award templates
- + Deputy Payroll add-on designed for STP Phase 2 reporting, Deputy says
- + Timesheets connect to Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks and Reckon
- + Published per-user AUD prices; 30-day free trial on the Payroll add-on
Cons
- − Payroll is a paid add-on ($5 per user per month) on top of a base plan
- − Minimum spend of AUD $30 a month per invoice on monthly Lite, Core and Pro plans since 1 September 2025
- − Per-user pricing grows with the crew, and HR, Messaging+ and Analytics+ cost extra below Pro
- − SMS charged at 5c per 160 characters
Reckon
Tier S · Published pricesAustralian payroll app and Reckon One payroll: STP Phase 2 and Payday Super, from $16 a month
Reckon is an ASX-listed Australian software company founded in 1987 by Greg Wilkinson. Its Reckon One cloud software offers accounting and payroll plans, and the standalone Reckon Payroll App runs pay runs on phone or web. It suits a sole trader or small crew that needs pay runs, super and STP reporting without paying for a full accounting suite.
AU-specific note
Reckon says its payroll is fully ATO registered, Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 compliant and Payday Super compliant, with built-in SuperStream to calculate, lodge and pay super. Its Payroll App page says data is hosted in Australia.
Pros
- + STP Phase 2 and Payday Super compliance stated for its payroll
- + Built-in SuperStream to calculate, lodge and pay super, Reckon says
- + Low entry price: Payroll Essentials $16 a month for up to 4 employees
- + Payroll App on iOS, Android and web, plus the Reckon Mate employee app for payslips and leave
Cons
- − Award interpretation is not mentioned on its payroll pages
- − Priced by employee band (up to 4, up to 10, unlimited), so a growing crew moves up a plan
- − No rostering or time clock mentioned; employees submit timesheets for approval
- − Introductory offers last 6 months: the $1 Reckon One offer closes on 31 October 2026 and the $0.99 in-app Payroll App offer on 31 December 2026
State licensing bodies and the ATO
Trade licensing is run by each state: Building Commission NSW issues building and trade licences in NSW (NSW Fair Trading is the consumer protection regulator), QBCC covers Queensland (electrical work is licensed separately by the Electrical Safety Office), the Building and Plumbing Commission (formerly the VBA) covers Victoria, Building and Energy covers WA and Consumer and Business Services covers SA. Under Automatic Mutual Recognition, licence holders from participating states can work in NSW, usually after a free notification; Queensland does not take part. The ATO is the federal tax office for GST, BAS, Single Touch Payroll and super, and does not license trades.
Building Commission NSW (formerly NSW Fair Trading licensing)
Tier A · ListedNSW consumer protection regulator; building and trade licences are now issued by Building Commission NSW
NSW Fair Trading is the state's consumer protection regulator, and its old website now redirects to its page on nsw.gov.au. Building and trade licences in NSW, including general building, plumbing, draining and gasfitting, electrical and air conditioning and refrigeration, are issued by Building Commission NSW, while home building complaints go through Fair Trading forms. A contractor licence is needed to carry out, advertise or contract for building or trade work worth more than $5,000 in labour and materials (including GST), and plumbing, draining, gasfitting and electrical wiring work need a licence or certificate whatever the cost.
AU-specific note
Under Automatic Mutual Recognition, in place in NSW since 1 July 2021, licence holders from participating states can work in NSW on their home-state licence, usually after a free notification to the NSW regulator; some occupations are excluded. Queensland does not take part, so Queensland and NSW workers cannot use it to work in each other's state. Unlicensed electrical wiring work can bring fines of up to $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for companies.
Pros
- + Free online check of licences, certificates and registrations at verify.licence.nsw.gov.au
- + Licences run for 1, 3 or 5 years
- + Workers licensed in participating states can work in NSW after a free notification
- + Full fee schedule published for every licence type
Cons
- − Licences now come from Building Commission NSW, not Fair Trading, which can confuse applicants
- − Queensland is outside Automatic Mutual Recognition, so cross-border work with Queensland needs a licence in each state
- − The processing part of the fee is not refunded if an application is refused or withdrawn
- − Plumbing, gasfitting and electrical work need a licence at any job value
QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission)
Tier A · ListedQueensland's building regulator: contractor and plumbing licences, home warranty insurance and building disputes
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licenses building contractors, supervisors and occupational plumbers and drainers, runs the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme and helps resolve payment and building-work disputes. A QBCC licence is needed for building work valued over $3,300, and for plumbing and drainage, gas fitting, fire protection and some other work at any value. Electrical work is licensed separately by the Electrical Safety Office.
AU-specific note
Queensland does not take part in Automatic Mutual Recognition, so a licence from another state does not automatically cover work in Queensland. QBCC can audit work, direct contractors to fix defects, apply demerit points and prosecute unlicensed work.
Pros
- + Online licensee register shows a contractor's licence history
- + Statutory home warranty scheme covers defective residential building work
- + Adjudication and mediation for payment and building-work disputes
- + Plumbing and drainage licences available for 1 to 5 years
Cons
- − Queensland is outside Automatic Mutual Recognition, so interstate licences do not carry over
- − Electricians need a separate licence from the Electrical Safety Office
- − Contractor licence fees depend on turnover category and rise each 1 July
- − Demerit points and prosecutions apply for non-compliance
BPC (Building and Plumbing Commission, formerly VBA)
Tier A · ListedVictoria's building and plumbing regulator, formerly the VBA: plumber registration and licensing, builder oversight and domestic building insurance
The Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) began operating in July 2025 and says the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is now part of it, bringing building regulation, dispute resolution and domestic building insurance under one roof. It registers and licenses Victorian plumbers and regulates building practitioners. Under the Building Legislation Amendment (Buyer Protections) Act 2025, fully in force by 1 July 2026, domestic building insurance must be obtained solely from the Authority, which can also order the rectification of incomplete, non-compliant or defective building work.
AU-specific note
Victorian plumbers hold either a registration, renewed every three years, or a licence, renewed every year, and the BPC requires licensed plumbers to show evidence of the relevant insurance before it issues or renews a licence. Domestic building insurance, previously provided through the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority, now comes solely from the Authority under the 2025 Act.
Pros
- + One body for building regulation, dispute resolution and domestic building insurance
- + Can order rectification of incomplete, non-compliant or defective building work
- + Plumber registration runs for three years between renewals
Cons
- − Licensed plumbers renew every year and must show proof of insurance
- − The 2025 Act added minimum financial requirements and proof of insurance for building practitioners
- − Rules changed in 2025-2026, so older VBA guidance may be out of date
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Tier A · ListedFederal tax office: GST, BAS, PAYG withholding, Single Touch Payroll and Payday Super for tradies
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is the federal tax office every trade business deals with, whatever the state. It runs GST registration, business activity statements (BAS), PAYG withholding, Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting and the super guarantee. It does not license trades, which is done by state regulators.
AU-specific note
Per business.gov.au, a business must register for GST once its GST turnover reaches $75,000 ($150,000 for non-profits) and needs an ABN first. Employers report pay and super to the ATO through STP-enabled payroll software each time they pay staff, and from 1 July 2026 must pay the super guarantee (12% of qualifying earnings) when they pay wages rather than quarterly (Payday Super).
Pros
- + ABN registration through the Australian Business Register is free
- + Free public ABN Lookup lets customers check a tradie's ABN without logging in
- + GST, BAS and PAYG handled online through ATO Online services for business, or by a registered tax or BAS agent
- + Sole traders can lodge BAS through myGov
Cons
- − Regular BAS lodgement (monthly or quarterly) once registered for GST
- − STP reporting needs payroll software that supports it
- − Under Payday Super (from 1 July 2026) super is due with each pay run, not quarterly
- − Anyone doing your BAS should be a registered agent with the Tax Practitioners Board, business.gov.au advises
Building and Energy (WA)
Tier A · ListedWA regulator licensing and registering builders, painters, electricians, plumbers and gas fitters
Building and Energy is the Western Australian regulator for the building, painting, electrical, plumbing and gas industries, part of the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety. It registers builders, building surveyors, building engineers and painters, licenses electricians, plumbers and gas fitters, and supports the Building Services Board, Electrical Licensing Board and Plumbers Licensing Board. It also resolves building services and subcontractor payment disputes, and its Director of Energy Safety oversees electricity and gas safety.
AU-specific note
WA licences and registrations cover work in WA; depending on the occupation and home state, an interstate licence holder may use Automatic Mutual Recognition (work after notifying) or apply for a WA licence through mutual recognition. The parent department was previously the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety; the WA Government announced the reshaped departments on 1 July 2025. New electrical licence applications need a police check less than 3 months old.
Pros
- + One regulator for building, painting, electrical, plumbing and gas licensing in WA
- + Online licence and registration search to check a builder, electrician, plumber or gas fitter
- + Handles building services and subcontractor payment disputes
- + Official fees published each year (2026-27 schedule from 1 July 2026)
Cons
- − Licence and registration fees plus renewals, for example $795 a year for an electrical contractor licence
- − Fees are reviewed every year and usually change on 1 July
- − Police check required with electrical licence applications
- − Several boards and licence classes to navigate for multi-trade businesses
Consumer and Business Services (CBS, South Australia)
Tier A · ListedSouth Australia's licensing body for building work contractors and for plumbing, gas fitting and electrical contractors and workers
Consumer and Business Services (CBS) is the South Australian government agency that issues building work contractor's licences and building work supervisor registrations, plumbing, gas fitting and electrical (PGE) contractor licences, and PGE worker registrations. The contractor licence covers taking on the work, and the people who carry out PGE work must be registered workers. Technical safety sign-off sits with the separate Office of the Technical Regulator in the Department for Energy and Mining.
AU-specific note
SA licences are issued under the Building Work Contractors Act 1995 (with the Building Work Contractors Regulations 2026) and the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995 (with its 2025 Regulations). Electricians and gas fitters must give the customer an electronic certificate of compliance within 30 days of finishing the work, a requirement run by the Office of the Technical Regulator. Interstate and overseas licence holders have a separate recognition pathway.
Pros
- + One agency for building contractor licences and PGE contractor licences and worker registrations in SA
- + Online applications and online licence renewals
- + Individuals applying for a building contractor licence can register as a building work supervisor on the same application
- + PGE worker registration runs for 3 years
Cons
- − Building and PGE contractor licences run for 1 year, so renewal is yearly
- − Electrical and gas compliance certificates are handled by a second body, the Office of the Technical Regulator
- − PGE contractors need registered workers to carry out the contracted work
- − An electronic certificate of compliance is due to the customer within 30 days of each electrical or gas job
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