tiktok˰

Contractor Retainer Agreement for Australia

Contractor Retainer Agreement Template for Australia

An Australian Contractor Retainer Agreement is a comprehensive legal document that establishes an ongoing commercial relationship between a business and an independent contractor. It provides a framework for regular engagement of contractor services while maintaining flexibility in service delivery. The agreement complies with Australian federal and state legislation, including the Independent Contractors Act 2006 and relevant tax laws, and carefully distinguishes the contractor relationship from employment. It covers essential elements such as service scope, retainer fees, performance standards, intellectual property rights, confidentiality, and termination provisions, while ensuring compliance with Australian business and contract law requirements.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Get template free

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your docs

4.6 / 5
4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5

What is a Contractor Retainer Agreement?

The Contractor Retainer Agreement is designed for businesses operating in Australia that require regular access to specialized services from independent contractors without establishing an employment relationship. This document is particularly useful when a company needs ongoing, flexible access to professional services but doesn't require full-time employment arrangements. The agreement comprehensively addresses key aspects of the business relationship, including service delivery, payment terms, professional obligations, and legal compliance with Australian regulations. It's structured to protect both parties' interests while maintaining the independent nature of the contractor relationship, incorporating provisions for confidentiality, intellectual property, and professional liability. The document ensures compliance with Australian legislation, including the Independent Contractors Act 2006, tax laws, and relevant state regulations, while providing flexibility for specific industry requirements and service arrangements.

What sections should be included in a Contractor Retainer Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification of the principal company and the contractor, including ABN/ACN details

2. Background: Context of the agreement, nature of the business relationship, and confirmation of contractor status

3. Definitions and Interpretation: Key terms used throughout the agreement and rules for interpretation

4. Term and Engagement: Duration of the retainer arrangement, including commencement date and renewal provisions

5. Services: Overview of services to be provided under the retainer arrangement

6. Contractor's Obligations: Key responsibilities, quality standards, and performance requirements

7. Principal's Obligations: Support, access, and information to be provided by the principal

8. Fees and Payment Terms: Retainer fee structure, payment schedule, and expenses policy

9. GST and Taxation: GST treatment and tax responsibilities of both parties

10. Relationship of Parties: Clear statement of independent contractor status and not employment

11. Insurance and Liability: Required insurance coverage and limitation of liability provisions

12. Confidentiality: Protection of confidential information and trade secrets

13. Intellectual Property: Ownership and rights regarding IP created during the engagement

14. Termination: Grounds for termination and notice requirements

15. Post-Termination Obligations: Continuing obligations after agreement ends

16. General Provisions: Standard boilerplate clauses including notices, governing law, and dispute resolution

What sections are optional to include in a Contractor Retainer Agreement?

1. Non-Compete and Restraints: Restrictions on competing activities - include when contractor will have access to sensitive information or client relationships

2. Work Health and Safety: Specific WHS obligations - include when services involve on-site work or physical activities

3. Equipment and Resources: Provisions regarding tools and equipment - include when specific equipment or resources are required for service delivery

4. Key Personnel: Requirements for specific individuals - include when service quality depends on particular staff members

5. Data Protection and Privacy: Specific data handling requirements - include when personal or sensitive data processing is involved

6. Force Majeure: Provisions for unforeseen events - include when service continuity is critical

7. Performance Reviews: Review and reporting requirements - include when regular performance assessment is needed

8. Subcontracting: Rules for engaging subcontractors - include when subcontracting might be necessary

9. Professional Accreditation: Requirements for maintaining professional credentials - include for regulated professions

What schedules should be included in a Contractor Retainer Agreement?

1. Schedule 1 - Services Description: Detailed specification of services to be provided under the retainer

2. Schedule 2 - Fee Schedule: Detailed breakdown of retainer fees, hourly rates, and payment terms

3. Schedule 3 - Service Levels: Specific performance metrics and service level requirements

4. Schedule 4 - Insurance Requirements: Detailed insurance types and coverage levels required

5. Schedule 5 - Key Personnel: Details of approved contractor personnel and their qualifications

6. Appendix A - Confidential Information: List of specific confidential information and handling requirements

7. Appendix B - Approved Subcontractors: List of pre-approved subcontractors if applicable

8. Appendix C - Equipment Register: List of any equipment provided by either party

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ tiktok˰ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents

Jurisdiction

Australia

Publisher

tiktok˰

Document Type

Retainer Agreement

Sector

Cost

Free to use

Find the exact document you need

Pro Bono Retainer Agreement

An Australian legal agreement establishing the terms and conditions for providing pro bono legal services between a legal service provider and client.

Download

General Counsel Retainer Agreement

An Australian legal agreement establishing the terms and conditions for ongoing general counsel services between a legal practitioner and a business entity.

Download

Marketing Retainer Contract

An Australian-compliant agreement governing ongoing marketing services between a service provider and client, establishing terms, scope, and obligations.

Download

Retainer Form

An Australian-law governed agreement establishing terms for ongoing professional services provision under a retainer arrangement.

Download

Contractor Retainer Agreement

An Australian legal agreement establishing an ongoing retainer arrangement between a business and an independent contractor, compliant with Australian federal and state legislation.

Download

Business Retainer Agreement

An Australian-law governed agreement establishing ongoing professional services relationship between provider and client, including service terms and retainer fee arrangements.

Download

Mediation Retainer Agreement

An Australian-compliant agreement establishing the terms of engagement between a mediator and client(s) for mediation services.

Download

Design Retainer Contract

An Australian law-governed contract establishing terms for ongoing design services provided under a retainer arrangement.

Download

Limited Retainer Agreement

An Australian-compliant agreement defining a limited-scope legal services engagement between a legal practitioner and client, with specific inclusions and exclusions.

Download

Hourly Retainer Agreement

An Australian-governed agreement establishing an hourly-based retainer arrangement for professional services with defined scope and payment terms.

Download

Expert Retainer Agreement

An Australian-compliant agreement establishing terms for engaging expert consultants, including service scope, fees, and professional obligations.

Download

Flat Fee Retainer Agreement

Australian Flat Fee Retainer Agreement template for establishing fixed-fee professional service arrangements, compliant with Australian federal and state regulations.

Download

Retainer Letter

An Australian legal document establishing the terms of engagement between a law firm and client, outlining services, fees, and mutual obligations under Australian law.

Download

Accounting Retainer Agreement

An Australian-law agreement establishing terms for ongoing accounting services between an accounting firm and client on a retainer basis.

Download

Professional Services Retainer Agreement

An Australian-law governed agreement establishing terms for ongoing professional services delivery under a retainer arrangement.

Download

Monthly Retainer Contract

An Australian-compliant contract establishing terms for ongoing monthly professional services with regular retainer payments.

Download

Freelance Retainer Contract

An Australian contract establishing a retainer arrangement between a client and freelancer, defining ongoing services, payment terms, and mutual obligations.

Download

Retainer Fee Agreement

An Australian-law governed agreement establishing recurring payment terms for ongoing professional services access.

Download
See more related templates

ұԾ’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security:

You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it