You should ensure that your workers are in fact independent contractors , just because you say they are or even have a contract saying they are does not make them independent contractors . If a court or government department work cover ect finds they are employees you could be up shit creek especially if they do cause damage whic you are not insured for . Also I believe there are laws stating that the independent contractor wage must be at least the award wage if an employee in the same position . What industry is the start up in ? There are also decision making tools about whether a person is an employee or independent contractor on the ato website I will post up the tax ruling about employees independent contractors up later but if there is any doubt you can apply for a private ruling from the ato as to whether they are employees or IC ' s .